Ahead of Hamas’s October 7 attack, Egyptian intelligence warned Israel of a significant threat, but Israeli officials reportedly disregarded the alert. This oversight raises questions about the effectiveness of Israel’s intelligence and its implications for regional security. Rising tensions and military buildups in Egypt further exacerbate the situation, emphasizing the need for Israel to take such warnings seriously to avert future crises.
Ten days before Hamas’s October 7 attack, an Egyptian intelligence official reached out to convey a significant warning. He said, “Something big is about to happen in Gaza,” noting that Egypt had alerted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office about the looming threat. Despite this alert, reports suggest that Israeli intelligence was largely unconcerned, choosing instead to focus on the deteriorating situation in the West Bank.
The Egyptian official emphasized that the warning had been reliable, although he did not specify whether it was directed to Prime Minister Netanyahu himself or relayed through aides. Following this, similar warnings were reported by outlets like The Associated Press and The Financial Times. U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul echoed these concerns, stating, “A representative from Egyptian intelligence informed me that Hamas was preparing something catastrophic against Israel.”
Evidence later surfaced indicating that the October 7 attack had been in planning for at least a year, and reports revealed Hamas had trained close to the Gaza border for two years without detection. Despite Israel’s extensive surveillance capabilities, critical warnings from Egyptian sources were overlooked.
After publishing the initial alert, I was approached by a senior official from Israel’s State Comptroller’s Office, who sought details for a parliamentary inquiry regarding the Egyptian warning. I provided the requested information; however, subsequent military reports did not mention the Egyptian alert, raising concerns about the handling of such critical intelligence.
The fundamental questions remain: Why was it crucial for Egypt to alert Israel if it was met with indifference? Why did Israeli officials disregard the warning, and why was its seriousness not acknowledged? Meanwhile, an upcoming summit of 22 Arab nations in Cairo will focus on Gaza, amid rising tensions framed by Egyptian media as potential conflict with Israel.
General Ahmed Safi al-Din, leader of Egypt’s military training program, stated that Egypt’s military buildup aims to ensure regional peace, despite growing apprehension in Israel. Outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi remarked, “Egypt has a large army with advanced weapons. Right now, it’s not a threat, but the situation could change in an instant.” As regional tensions intensify, the overlooked warning from Egypt highlights the perils of complacency and the pressing need for vigilance.
In summary, Egyptian officials warned Israel of an imminent threat from Hamas, yet Israeli intelligence appeared dismissive, focusing elsewhere. Despite reliable information indicating serious risks, a concerning pattern of oversight and complacency emerged. As regional dynamics shift, Israel must address these intelligence failures to avoid future crises, particularly with Egypt’s military posture growing ever more strategic.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
