Israel Seeks UAE Denial of Netanyahu Hamas Warning Report

Israel has sought an official denial from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding a journalistic investigation alleging that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a warning about an impending operation by Yahya Sinwar approximately two weeks before October 7. However, Abu Dhabi has declined to deny the publication, stating it will not comment on its details, according to Ynet. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the government does not comment on media reports or speculations concerning the content of discussions, adding that its post-October 7 efforts have focused on de-escalation and regional stability. Abu Dhabi also noted the continued open communication channels between the two countries since normalization.

Amidst the Israeli discourse, a theory has emerged suggesting that Muhammad Dahlan might have initially conveyed the information. Dahlan, a former security official in Gaza and Fatah figure, has remained silent on the report and an alleged conversation with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, but has not refuted it. The Prime Minister's Office in Israel issued a statement on social media platform X on Tuesday evening, denying that bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu before October 7, calling the reports false and stating that any relevant intelligence was shared through official channels.

The claims about a supposed conversation between Netanyahu and the UAE president originate from a new book, "Hostages: 843 Days of Inaction," by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval. This investigation builds upon an earlier report by Smadar Peri of Yedioth Ahronoth, which stated that Egypt also warned Netanyahu days before the attack about Hamas's preparations for a "terrible operation."

According to Eldar, the alleged warning stemmed from stalled negotiations over the return of hostages and bodies. Sinwar reportedly tasked a Fatah representative to relay a message to the Israelis about a "big surprise," using the Arabic word "zilzal," meaning earthquake. Eldar claims this information reached then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar on September 15, 2023, who then informed the Prime Minister. Approximately ten days later, bin Zayed allegedly called Netanyahu via a secure app to confirm the warning, with the conversation lasting 45 minutes. The report alleges Netanyahu downplayed the threat, suggesting any issues would likely arise in Judea and Samaria rather than Gaza, and that he did not inform the IDF Chief of Staff or heads of Shin Bet and Mossad about the call.

Eldar asserts he possesses recordings, documents, and cross-verified information to support his reporting. Representatives from Shin Bet and the army reportedly stated that knowledge of the bin Zayed call would have served as additional confirmation of intelligence received on September 15.