Netanyahu Denies Reports of Meeting with Egyptian Intel Chief Before Oct. 7, Threatens Libel Suit

The denial follows reports by The Wall Street Journal and other media outlets alleging that Abbas Kamel, then-Director of Egypt's General Intelligence Service, personally contacted Netanyahu's office days before the attack to provide an urgent warning. The PMO statement asserts that Netanyahu never meets with foreign intelligence chiefs without the presence of his Israeli counterparts, and that no such meeting or conversation took place in the relevant period.

Accusations of Media Manipulation

The Prime Minister's Office accused certain media elements of orchestrating a campaign intended to shift the burden of responsibility for the October 7 intelligence failures from the defense establishment, specifically Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, onto the political leadership. The statement characterized the reports as "blood libels" supported by hostile foreign actors and Arab states aiming to destabilize the current right-wing government.

Context of Regional Warnings

This development is part of a broader, ongoing dispute regarding what advance knowledge was available to the Israeli leadership. As The Zioneer has previously reported, similar claims have surfaced regarding potential warnings from other regional actors, including the United Arab Emirates. While international reports suggest that general warnings of an impending escalation were relayed, the Prime Minister has consistently maintained that Israel's security chiefs did not provide him with specific or actionable intelligence indicating a mass invasion. The PMO's announcement of a libel suit marks a significant escalation in the government's response to these recurring allegations.