UAE Warned Netanyahu of Hamas 'Earthquake' Days Before Oct. 7, Report Claims

Approximately ten days before the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a warning from UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan about Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar preparing a "significant event," according to an investigation by Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval for their book "Hostages: 843 Days of Inaction." The report, published by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz on September 8, states that Sinwar conveyed a message about preparing an "earthquake" through an intermediary, leading to a lengthy phone call between bin Zayed and Netanyahu.

Netanyahu reportedly believed the threat pertained to escalation in Judea and Samaria and did not relay the warning to the Defense Minister, Chief of Staff, head of the Shin Bet, or the Mossad director. Around the same period, a similar signal was allegedly received from Egypt, with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamal reportedly warning the Prime Minister's office. The response, however, indicated that Israel controlled the Gaza Strip and its primary concerns were in Judea and Samaria.

The investigation also touches on early mediation efforts post-October 7. It claims that on the evening of the attack, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani contacted Mossad Director David Barnea, stating Hamas was willing to discuss the release of civilian hostages with Qatari mediation. Barnea allegedly responded that Israel was not prepared to negotiate with Hamas at that time.

The Prime Minister's office has denied the authors' claims, stating Netanyahu did not receive such a warning from the UAE president. Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar also stated they were unaware of any such warning.