Netanyahu Denies UAE Warning Before Oct. 7 Attack

The Prime Minister's Office has vehemently denied a report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz alleging that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of an impending Hamas attack days before October 7. The Prime Minister's Office stated on social media platform X that the reports were false and that no such warning was received from the UAE.

According to the Haaretz report, bin Zayed called Netanyahu and alerted him to Hamas's plans for a large-scale assault. The report claimed that after a 45-minute conversation, Netanyahu downplayed the threat, stating his assessment was that Hamas's focus was on the West Bank and that Israel was prepared for any scenario. The report also suggested that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had conveyed a message through a mediator to Israel, promising a "terrifying operation" and an "earthquake."

Haaretz further reported that despite this alleged conversation, the information from bin Zayed was not shared with top security officials, including the heads of the Shin Bet, Mossad, and the IDF Chief of Staff. The Prime Minister's Office reiterated that if any relevant intelligence had been shared, it would have been transmitted through official intelligence channels between the two countries.

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement on X, declining to comment on media stories or speculation regarding leaders' conversations. However, the ministry affirmed that government bodies in the UAE and Israel have maintained open and direct communication channels since the normalization of relations, and relevant intelligence has been and continues to be shared when necessary.

The Haaretz report has sparked significant public backlash, with opposition leaders criticizing Netanyahu and demanding the truth be revealed. They accused him of lying and ignoring serious warnings, contrasting it with his alleged attempts to shift blame to the security establishment. Opposition figures called for an immediate and thorough investigation, emphasizing the public's right to know what Netanyahu knew and when he knew it, and reiterated their commitment to establishing a state inquiry commission if they form the next government.