Netanyahu Received Hamas Threat Warning from UAE President Before Oct. 7

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a direct warning from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan about an impending significant operation by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar approximately ten days before the October 7th attacks. This intelligence was reportedly not shared with top security officials, according to a new book by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval titled "Hostages: 843 Days of Abandonment." The Prime Minister's office vehemently denied the report, stating, "An 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."

According to the investigation, bin Zayed called Netanyahu from Abu Dhabi and spoke for 45 minutes, expressing concern that Sinwar was planning a major move against Israel that could lead to bloodshed and destabilize the region, potentially harming the Abraham Accords. A close advisor to the UAE president, a Palestinian who emigrated from Gaza, was present during the call and confirmed that bin Zayed urged Netanyahu to prepare for the threat and suggested economic solutions for Gaza and de-escalation in the West Bank.

Netanyahu reportedly responded calmly, suggesting Hamas's focus would be on the West Bank and that Israel was prepared for any scenario. The report also details separate, indirect warnings conveyed to Israel's Shin Bet security agency in mid-September, originating from Sinwar through intermediaries, including a threat of a "huge surprise" or "earthquake" if progress wasn't made on a long-term ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. These indirect warnings were reportedly passed to Netanyahu by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.

The book further alleges that Sinwar had been engaged in indirect negotiations with Israel for a long-term arrangement in Gaza, which began in early 2023. These talks, known as a "hudna" (ceasefire) plan, stalled over demands for the release of Israeli civilians and the return of soldiers' bodies held by Hamas. Sinwar reportedly broke off contact in early September after negotiations faltered, issuing his final, ominous warning.

Opposition figures, including Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Lapid, have seized on the report, accusing Netanyahu of ignoring explicit warnings and leading Israel blindly into the October 7th disaster. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also criticized Netanyahu, calling his alleged inaction "criminal negligence" and asserting that Netanyahu bears direct responsibility for the failures that led to the deaths of thousands of Israelis.