Netanyahu Faces Accusations of "Criminal Negligence" After UAE Warning Report

Political figures in Israel have reacted strongly to a report alleging that UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Yahya Sinwar's intentions a week and a half before the October 7th attacks. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated the report is true and called for a state inquiry, a sentiment echoed by Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yishai! party, who vowed to establish a state commission of inquiry into the past decade upon the formation of the next government.

Bennett, who recently met with bin Zayed, asserted that the "Haaretz" report is accurate and that Netanyahu bears direct personal responsibility for the failures leading to the deaths of thousands of Israelis. He accused Netanyahu of ignoring warnings and engaging in "criminal negligence" to prevent a state inquiry. Eisenkot similarly criticized Netanyahu, claiming he led Israel blindly into the October 7th disaster and is unfit to lead, citing Netanyahu's alleged knowledge of the truth and fear of responsibility.

The October 7th Council also demanded answers, questioning how many times Israel was alerted before the massacre and what actions were taken with the intelligence received. Businessman Eyal Waldman, who lost his daughter on October 7th, called for Netanyahu to be imprisoned for "criminal negligence" that led to the deaths and kidnappings of citizens and soldiers.

Former Defense Minister and Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz reiterated the urgent need for a state commission of inquiry to uncover the truth and prevent future disasters, suggesting it's the only way for Israel to begin healing. 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 for the new book "Hostages: 843 Days of Abandonment" by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval, bin Zayed warned Netanyahu about Sinwar's plan for an "earthquake," to which Netanyahu reportedly replied, "We are prepared in Gaza." The report also claims Netanyahu did not update then-security chiefs, including IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar. However, the report indicates Bar himself was updated on Sinwar's intentions on September 15th and then informed the Prime Minister.