Netanyahu faced internal warnings of eroded deterrence before October 7

Former military secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Maj. Gen. Avi Gil, has stated that the Israeli security establishment identified an erosion of deterrence and perceived societal divisions in the weeks leading up to the October 7 attacks. Speaking to Channel 12 News, Gil noted that while there was no specific warning of a massive Gaza-based attack, documents were submitted at every level describing how adversaries viewed Israel’s internal fractures and perceived weaknesses as opportunities.

Reports have also suggested that international actors may have provided warnings. These include claims that the leader of the United Arab Emirates contacted Netanyahu directly regarding a major Hamas operation, and that Egypt’s intelligence minister traveled to Israel to warn of preparations for a significant attack. These developments add pressure on Netanyahu’s political future as debates continue regarding the extent of the intelligence failures preceding the deadliest attacks in Israel’s history.