Netanyahu Warned of Hamas Attack by UAE President, Report Claims

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a direct warning from the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, approximately ten days before the Hamas attack on October 7th, according to a report by the newspaper Haaretz. The report, which is part of research for a book titled 'Hostages - 843 Days of Abandonment,' states that bin Zayed informed Netanyahu that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a "significant event" and had conveyed a message of preparing an "earthquake."

Netanyahu reportedly reacted with "complete indifference" to the warning, assessing it as a potential escalation in the West Bank. He allegedly did not share the intelligence with the Minister of Defense, the Chief of Staff, the head of the Shin Bet, or the head of the Mossad. The Prime Minister's office has vehemently denied the report, calling it a "complete lie" and stating that Netanyahu did not speak with the UAE president or receive any such warning prior to the attack.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett responded to the report, asserting its truthfulness and accusing Netanyahu of "criminal negligence." Bennett claimed Netanyahu bears direct personal responsibility for the failures that led to the deaths of thousands of Israelis under his watch. He further alleged that Netanyahu is actively trying to prevent the establishment of a state commission of inquiry to uncover the truth, suggesting the Prime Minister was "imprisoned by his own conception" and unwilling to deviate from his policy of containment and temporary quiet, even when faced with clear warnings from regional leaders.