Reasons Behind Israel’s Dismissal of Egypt’s Warnings Before October 7 Attack

An Egyptian intelligence official warned Israeli authorities about an imminent Hamas attack, but Israeli officials appeared indifferent, focusing instead on other issues. U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul also confirmed the warnings, sparking questions about the reliability of Israel’s intelligence response. Following a military investigation, the absence of reference to the warnings in public reports raises further concerns about complacency in the face of growing regional tensions.

Ten days prior to Hamas’s significant assault on October 7, an Egyptian intelligence official urgently contacted me with a warning. He stated, “Something big is about to happen in Gaza,” emphasizing that Egypt had informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office of an imminent threat. It was unclear if this warning reached Netanyahu directly or through an aide, yet it was evident that Israel had been alerted. Surprisingly, Israel’s response was one of indifference, as the official reported a shift in focus towards worsening conditions in the West Bank.

Following the initial warning, I encountered similar alerts echoed by major news outlets such as The Associated Press and The Financial Times. Concurrently, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, corroborated the message, stating, “A representative from Egyptian intelligence informed me that Hamas was preparing something catastrophic against Israel.” He expressed confusion regarding how intelligence agencies failed to recognize the severity of the warnings.

Evidence later revealed that the October 7 attack had been meticulously orchestrated for over a year and that Hamas militants had been strategically training near the Gaza border to evade detection. Despite the presence of warnings, Israeli surveillance apparently missed the escalating threat, failing to act on intelligence that had been provided reliably by Egypt.

After sharing the warning details with a senior official from Israel’s State Comptroller’s Office, I was surprised to find that military investigations did not mention the Egyptian warning in their reports. Though it might be included in classified sections, the absence from public documentation raises significant concerns regarding the response to the alerts received.

This situation prompts critical inquiries regarding why Egyptian officials felt compelled to inform Israel only to be met with apathy. The disinterest demonstrated by Israeli authorities raises serious questions, especially as regional tensions heighten with potential repercussions for peace. As a summit of 22 Arab nations approaches in Cairo, the public sentiment in Egypt seems to frame Israel as a primary adversary, which could escalate the already precarious situation.

Various Israeli authorities, including the outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, have expressed concerns about Egypt’s military buildup, which they interpret as a potential threat. Despite assurances from Egyptian military leaders regarding their intentions for regional stability, unease persists in Israel, highlighting the ongoing volatility. The overlooked warnings from Egypt serve as a sobering reminder about the perils of complacency and the importance of taking intelligence reports seriously in the face of increasing regional unrest.

The recent warnings from Egypt regarding imminent threats highlighted the serious oversight in Israeli intelligence, leading to catastrophic consequences during the Hamas attack. Despite receiving reliable information, Israeli officials turned their attention elsewhere, showcasing a pattern of complacency. The ongoing military buildup and rising tensions in the region necessitate a thorough reassessment of intelligence processes to prevent future crises and maintain stability.

Original Source: www.ynetnews.com