UAE Leader Warned Netanyahu of Hamas Attack Before Oct. 7

A new investigative report claims that Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approximately 10 days before the October 7th Hamas attack that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a "major move" against Israel. The report, by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval, is based on interviews with dozens of sources, including senior officials, and is excerpted from their upcoming book, "Hostages, 843 Days of Abandonment."

According to the report, MBZ spoke with Netanyahu for 45 minutes from his palace in Abu Dhabi, expressing concern that the planned event would not only cause bloodshed but also destabilize the region and harm the Abraham Accords. An advisor to MBZ, who had strong ties to Gaza, was also present and corroborated the account, stating that MBZ urged Netanyahu to take the threat seriously. However, Netanyahu reportedly responded calmly, suggesting Hamas was more likely to act in the West Bank and that Israel was prepared for any scenario. Crucially, the report alleges that Netanyahu did not share this specific warning with top security officials, including the heads of the Shin Bet, Mossad, and the IDF.

Eldar and Yuval's investigation also delves into secret talks that reportedly occurred between Israel and Hamas, with Netanyahu's knowledge and approval, for a long-term arrangement in Gaza. These negotiations, which began in early 2023, involved economic matters and the release of Israeli captives and bodies. Hamas appointed political bureau member Razi Hamad to lead these discussions. The report suggests Netanyahu hesitated to finalize an agreement, possibly due to concerns about reactions from his far-right coalition partners. The ongoing protests against the government's judicial overhaul in Israel were perceived by Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah as making Israel more vulnerable.

In early September 2023, Sinwar reportedly severed direct contact with Hamas official Razi Hamad, who had been communicating with Israel under Netanyahu's approval. This severed channel is said to have solidified Sinwar's decision to launch the attack. A message from Sinwar, translated as "Give them (Israelis) a message that I am preparing a surprise for them from the land of surprises. A formidable operation. Something unusual," reached MBZ, who then conveyed the warning to Netanyahu.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has vehemently denied the report, calling it a "complete lie" and stating that he "did not speak with the President of the United Arab Emirates during the period in question and did not receive any warning from him." The report notes that other warnings were also reportedly given to Netanyahu prior to the attack, including from Egyptian officials three days before, and from former Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on September 20th.