Netanyahu's October 7 Warning Reversal: 'Deep State' Accusation Fuels Election Fire

In a dramatic turn just weeks before a critical national election, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted yesterday, October 14, 2026, that Egypt's then-intelligence chief, Abbas Kamel, did visit Israel shortly before the devastating October 7, 2023, attack. This revelation directly contradicts his government's previous strong denials, with Netanyahu now claiming he was unaware of who Kamel met and pointing to a 'deep state' within the intelligence apparatus. The admission has ignited a political firestorm, bringing the contentious issue of pre-attack intelligence failures back to the forefront of Israel's electoral debate. This latest twist comes after a series of explosive reports in September 2026 by The Atlantic and The Wall Street Journal, detailing how Egyptian officials, including Kamel, provided repeated and increasingly urgent warnings about an impending major Hamas assault on Israel. These reports also alleged that the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed, personally cautioned Netanyahu. Netanyahu's initial response to these new reports was outright denial, even threatening libel suits. The ongoing blame game has intensified, with former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar filing a defamation lawsuit against the Prime Minister yesterday for a September 28 social media post that blamed Bar for intelligence failures. As Israelis prepare to vote on October 27, 2026, the question of accountability for the October 7 attack remains a central and highly emotional issue. The Prime Minister's latest explanation, invoking a 'deep state,' is seen by many as an attempt to shift blame, further jeopardizing his already fragile political standing. Calls for an independent State Commission of Inquiry into the intelligence failures have grown louder, with opposition leaders making it a key campaign promise if they win. The outcome of this election will not only determine Netanyahu's political future but also shape how Israel confronts the painful legacy of October 7 and addresses deep-seated questions about its leadership and security establishment.