Netanyahu Denies Receiving Hamas Warning from UAE President

A report in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz claims that in late September 2023, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about an impending attack by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar against Israel. According to the report, bin Zayed urged Netanyahu to take the threat seriously, but the Prime Minister reacted with relative calm and did not update security officials. The Prime Minister's office vehemently denied the report, stating it was "an absolute lie" and that Netanyahu did not speak with the UAE president during that period or receive any such warning. They added that any relevant information would have been shared through official intelligence channels.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated they do not comment on media stories or speculations regarding leader-level conversations. They affirmed that the UAE's involvement since October 7 has consistently aimed at de-escalation and regional stability, and that open communication channels exist between the UAE and Israel, with relevant intelligence being shared.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attacked Netanyahu, asserting the Haaretz report was true and that Netanyahu bears direct responsibility for the failures leading to the October 7th massacre due to his alleged "criminal negligence" in ignoring warnings. Bennett claimed Netanyahu failed to act on the intelligence, did not update security chiefs, prepare the nation, or convene the security cabinet, instead opting to appease Hamas with funds and workers.

Opposition figures from the "Change Bloc" issued a joint statement demanding to know what Netanyahu knew and when, calling for an immediate and in-depth investigation. They pledged to establish a state commission of inquiry immediately upon forming the next government to investigate the failures of October 7th and prevent future disasters, stating Netanyahu and his government are unfit to continue in their roles.