PM's Office Denies Netanyahu Met Egyptian Intel Chief Before Oct. 7

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) responded on Saturday night to a detailed investigation published by *The Atlantic* magazine, which alleged that Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel conducted a secret visit to Israel on September 26, 2023—just 11 days before the Hamas massacre. According to the report, Kamel warned Israeli officials that Hamas was preparing a "significant" operation and that the window to prevent escalation was closing.

The PMO Denial

In its response, the PMO stated that Prime Minister Netanyahu did not meet or speak with Kamel in the months leading up to the attack. "The recycled lies will not become truth even if repeated again and again," the office said. The statement further noted that on October 11, 2023, Egypt officially denied having warned Israel of the impending attack. The PMO also asserted that no Israeli intelligence official had conveyed any such warning to the Prime Minister.

Context of the Allegations

The investigation by *The Atlantic* claimed Kamel's visit lasted approximately one hour and was intended to serve as an urgent alarm for the Israeli political and security leadership. While the report acknowledged that Kamel did not provide specific operational details, targets, or a date, it cited sources suggesting that the physical arrival of Egypt's top intelligence official should have been sufficient to signal the severity of the threat. The report also alleged that Kamel recommended Israel grant Hamas economic concessions to stabilize the situation.

Continuity of Denials

This development follows a pattern of similar reports and subsequent denials regarding pre-war warnings. As The Zioneer has previously reported, the PMO has consistently pushed back against claims that Netanyahu received early intelligence from regional leaders, including similar allegations involving the President of the United Arab Emirates. The Prime Minister has maintained in testimony to the State Comptroller that critical intelligence, such as the "Jericho Wall" operational plan, was withheld from him by the security establishment until after the invasion began.