UAE President Warned Netanyahu of Hamas Attack, Report Claims; PM's Office Denies

A report claims that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approximately a week and a half before the October 7th Hamas massacre that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was preparing for a "major move" against Israel. The Prime Minister's Office has "categorically denied" the report, stating such a conversation never occurred.

The investigation, based on the new book "Hostages: 843 Days of Abandonment," suggests a secret channel through which Israel received warnings about Sinwar's intentions in the weeks leading up to the attack. Throughout 2023, clandestine negotiations between Israel and Hamas reportedly aimed at a long-term arrangement for Gaza, including economic easing and potential deals for the return of Israeli captives and bodies.

According to the report, Hamas official Ghazi Hamad conducted these talks via a Palestinian intermediary, who relayed Sinwar's escalating threats. After Sinwar abruptly halted negotiations in early September, he allegedly warned of an "enormous surprise" and "earthquake" if Israel did not proceed. This warning was reportedly passed to a Palestinian advisor close to the UAE president.

Following another meeting with Sinwar in mid-September, where he spoke of a "surprise from the land of surprises" and a "terrifying operation," those involved assessed the threat as more than mere negotiation tactics. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) was reportedly alerted on September 15th, with then-Director Ronen Bar briefing Netanyahu on the "earthquake" threat. Discussions involving security officials followed, but no decisive action was taken.

Bin Zayed, perceiving Israel's response as insufficient, allegedly spoke directly with Netanyahu in late September for about 45 minutes. The UAE president warned that Sinwar's planned move could lead to bloodshed, regional instability, and harm the Abraham Accords, urging Israel to prepare and de-escalate. Netanyahu reportedly believed Hamas intended to act in the West Bank and that Israel was prepared. The report alleges Netanyahu did not share the conversation's details with his Defense Minister, the IDF Chief of Staff, or the heads of the Shin Bet or Mossad.

An additional warning reportedly came from Egyptian Intelligence Minister Abbas Kamel about an "unusual" and "terrifying operation" by Hamas, which Netanyahu's office also denied at the time, stating Israel controlled Gaza and focused on the West Bank. A further discussion on October 1st, six days before the attack, saw Ronen Bar suggest assassinating Hamas leaders, including Sinwar. Netanyahu requested operational plans but ordered de-escalation. The report claims the alleged conversation with the UAE president was not mentioned in this meeting either. A former Shin Bet official suggested that awareness of all the warnings received by the Prime Minister might have led to greater weight being given to Sinwar's threats.