Egypt's Spy Chief Warned Israel of Hamas Before Oct. 7, Officials Say; Hanegbi Denies

Egypt's then-intelligence chief Abbas Kamel flew to Ben Gurion Airport on September 26, 2023, 11 days before the October 7 Hamas attack, and warned Israeli officials that Hamas appeared to be mobilizing for a major attack, according to Israeli, Egyptian, Arab, U.S. and European officials. An Israel Airports Authority flight log shows the Egyptian intelligence-linked jet stayed 67 minutes before returning to Cairo. The officials said Kamel gave no date or specifics and urged economic concessions to Hamas. Tzachi Hanegbi, then head of the National Security Council, denied that any Kamel visit or Egyptian warning took place.