Netanyahu Denies Receiving UAE Warning Before October 7 Attack

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Tuesday evening denied reports published by the newspaper Haaretz, which claimed he received warnings in the days leading up to the October 7 Hamas attack, including one from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed.

Netanyahu's office stated that if any relevant information was received, it was conveyed through intelligence channels between the two countries. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the report for the first time, declining to explicitly deny it. Instead, the ministry issued a statement saying the UAE government does not comment on media reports or speculation about conversations between government leaders.

The UAE statement added that since October 7, the UAE's efforts have focused on de-escalation, regional stability, and reducing violence. It also noted that government entities in both the UAE and Israel have maintained open communication channels since relations began over five years ago, and relevant intelligence is exchanged when needed.

According to Kan News, Netanyahu had sought a denial from the UAE, but the Foreign Ministry's statement did not explicitly refute the alleged contact. Kan News cited informed sources who said bin Zayed had briefed prominent Emirati figures on the conversation's details. The report also indicated that senior Israeli officials were surprised by the news of the contact, with some only learning about it after the Haaretz report was published.