UAE Responds to Reports of Netanyahu Warning Before Oct. 7

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its first official statement regarding reports that President Mohammed bin Zayed had warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a significant Hamas move approximately ten days before the October 7th massacre. The ministry stated, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that the UAE government does not comment on media stories or speculations regarding conversations between government leaders." The statement continued, "The UAE's involvement since October 7th has been consistently aimed at de-escalation, regional stability, and preventing violence."

Additionally, the ministry clarified that "the UAE government and elements within the Israeli government have maintained open and direct communication channels since the establishment of relations between the two countries more than five years ago. When necessary, all relevant intelligence has been and continues to be transferred between the relevant parties."

Concurrently, the Prime Minister's Office released a denial in English, asserting, "The media reports are incorrect. The Prime Minister was not warned by the UAE before October 7th. If any relevant information existed, it was transferred through intelligence channels between the two countries."

The UAE's announcement followed a report in the newspaper Haaretz, which claimed that bin Zayed spoke with Netanyahu about a week and a half before the October 7th attack. According to the report, the UAE president warned Netanyahu that Sinwar was planning a significant move against Israel, potentially leading to bloodshed and regional instability. The Haaretz report also alleged that Netanyahu believed the impending move concerned the West Bank and that security officials were not informed of this alleged warning.