Opposition Blasts Netanyahu Over Alleged UAE Warning Before Oct. 7

Leaders of Israel's "change bloc" opposition coalition have strongly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a Haaretz newspaper report alleging that UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed warned Netanyahu of an impending Hamas attack just days before the October 7th massacre. The opposition leaders stated that the Israeli public deserves to know the full truth about the events leading up to, during, and after the attack.

They vowed to establish a state commission of inquiry immediately upon forming the next government, calling it a "duty of leadership to its citizens." The opposition accused Netanyahu of lying and demanded to know "What did you know, and when did you know it?" They further claimed that this "shattering revelation" adds to a series of exposures regarding Netanyahu's failures and dysfunction, highlighting why he is fighting to prevent a state inquiry and the public's right to know.

The opposition leaders asserted that while Netanyahu and his associates spread "false conspiracy theories" and blame the security establishment, it is now apparent that serious warnings reached him directly, and he ignored them. They characterized this as "arrogance and a breach of trust" given by Israeli citizens, extreme negligence in his role, and a failure to protect the public.

According to the Haaretz report, after a 45-minute conversation, Netanyahu reportedly reassured the UAE president, stating his assessment was that Hamas's focus was on the West Bank and that Israel was prepared for any scenario. The report also cited a message from Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, conveyed through a mediator to the UAE president, warning of a "surprise from the land of surprises" and an "enormous, unusual operation," repeatedly using the word "earthquake."

Despite these warnings, the information allegedly conveyed by bin Zayed to Netanyahu did not reach the heads of the Shin Bet, Mossad, or the IDF chief of staff, who were reportedly not updated on the conversation or its content. A response from 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."