Netanyahu Accused of Ignoring UAE Warning Before Oct. 7 Attack

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following a report in the newspaper Haaretz. The report alleges that Netanyahu received a warning from the President of the United Arab Emirates prior to the October 7th Hamas attacks, specifically that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a significant operation. Barak, citing his own extensive experience in national security roles including Prime Minister, Defense Minister, Chief of Staff, and head of military intelligence, declared that ignoring such a warning constituted gross negligence. He further characterized the alleged withholding of this warning, along with another, from all senior security officials as criminal negligence, asserting that the truth should now determine the outcome of the upcoming elections.

In response to the controversy, right-wing activist Baruch Marzel launched a scathing personal attack on Barak, calling him "the most vile and despicable person that the State of Israel has produced" and expressing disbelief that Barak still appears in public after the "enormous damage" he allegedly caused to the Jewish people alongside "his friend Jeffrey."

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its first official statement regarding the report. While not explicitly confirming or denying the conversation with President Mohammed bin Zayed, the ministry stated that the UAE government does not comment on media stories or speculation about leadership discussions. The statement emphasized the UAE's consistent efforts since October 7th to de-escalate tensions, promote regional stability, and prevent violence. It also confirmed that the UAE and Israeli governments maintain open communication channels, and relevant intelligence has been and continues to be shared between the parties.