Netanyahu Denies Receiving UAE Warning on Hamas Attack Before Oct. 7

The Israeli political system is in turmoil following a report that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a direct warning from the President of the United Arab Emirates about a planned Hamas operation a week and a half before the October 7th attacks. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett confirmed the report's accuracy, stating, "The publication is true." Gadi Eisenkot, head of the "Achva" party, asserted that Netanyahu received dozens of warnings about October 7th and ignored them all, declaring him unfit for office. Eisenkot further claimed that Netanyahu received a specific warning from the UAE president regarding Sinwar's intentions but failed to update security officials, questioning the narrative of not being "woken up."

Bennett elaborated that Netanyahu bears direct responsibility for the failure that led to thousands of Israeli deaths, calling his disregard for warnings "criminal negligence." He accused Netanyahu of actively preventing a state inquiry commission to hide the truth, highlighting that instead of preparing for an attack, Netanyahu focused on appeasing Hamas with funds and labor permits, remaining trapped in his policy of containment and temporary quiet. Bennett suggested that with a change in government, the truth would be revealed.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid reiterated that he had warned Netanyahu about the impending danger in a press conference three weeks before the massacre, adding that the UAE ruler, Egyptian officials, and top security chiefs had all issued warnings. Lapid stated that Netanyahu's only response was to appear on Channel 14 to downplay concerns, and that if Netanyahu had fulfilled his duties, the massacre could have been averted.

According to the report, which stems from a new book by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval titled "Hostages: 843 Days of Abandonment," Netanyahu did not inform security officials of the warning he allegedly received. The Prime Minister's Office issued a strong denial, 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."