Opposition Slams Netanyahu Over Alleged UAE Warning Before Hamas Attack
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Opposition leaders in Israel are demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's resignation and a state inquiry following a report that the UAE President warned Netanyahu about Hamas intentions before the October 7th attack. Netanyahu's office denies the report, while opposition figures cite it as proof of his negligence.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- UAE President allegedly warned Netanyahu about Hamas before Oct 7th.
- Netanyahu's office denies the alleged warning and conversation.
- Opposition leaders demand Netanyahu's resignation and inquiry.
- Key security officials deny receiving the alleged warning.
- Report claims Netanyahu continued Hamas appeasement policy.
Opposition leaders in Israel have sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a report alleging that the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, warned Netanyahu about Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's intentions approximately 10 days before the October 7th massacre. The report, published by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, claims bin Zayed spoke with Netanyahu for about 45 minutes in late September 2023, relaying messages from Sinwar about preparing a "tremendous operation." Netanyahu reportedly dismissed the warning, believing Hamas was planning actions in the West Bank.
The Prime Minister's office has vehemently denied the report, stating, "Absolute lie! Prime Minister Netanyahu did not speak with the President of the United Arab Emirates during the period in question and did not receive any warning from him." No response was provided by the UAE president's office.
Opposition figures, including Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Benny Gantz, and Yair Golan, seized on the report to renew calls for a state inquiry commission and Netanyahu's resignation. Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of leading Israel "blindly" into the October 7th failure and of not updating security chiefs. Bennett claimed Netanyahu bears "direct personal responsibility" for the "criminal negligence" of ignoring warnings and continuing a policy of "containment" towards Hamas, including financial transfers and increased worker permits for Gaza. Gantz emphasized the urgent need for a state commission to uncover the truth and begin national healing, while Golan stated the report "shatters all the lies" Netanyahu has told.
Haaretz reported that the content of the alleged conversation was not shared with the Defense Minister, the IDF Chief of Staff, the head of the Shin Bet, or the head of the Mossad. Former IDF Chief Herzi Halevi and former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar confirmed they were not briefed on such a warning. Merav Ben Ari, a Member of Knesset, also criticized Netanyahu, suggesting his opposition to a state inquiry stems from fear of its findings and accusing him of years of ignoring warnings and funding Hamas, for which "we all paid the price."
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