Biden Administration Denies Receiving Specific UAE Warning Before Oct. 7

Two sources familiar with the matter told i24NEWS that the Biden administration was unaware of any specific warning from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding Hamas's planned large-scale attack on October 7. These sources indicated that the administration also did not hear from the UAE about such a concrete warning after the October 7th attack.

While the Biden administration's lack of awareness does not preclude the possibility that such a warning was conveyed to Israeli officials, the sources suggested that a significant warning would likely have reached the administration, either before or after October 7th, if it had been shared by the UAE.

This report follows a recent publication in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which claimed that UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a week and a half before October 7th. According to the report, bin Zayed initiated an unusual 45-minute call with Netanyahu in late September 2023, warning him that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a "major move" against Israel. Bin Zayed reportedly expressed concerns that the event could lead to bloodshed, destabilize the region, and harm the Abraham Accords. The Haaretz report also alleged that then-CIA Director Bill Burns heard from bin Zayed that he had tried to convey a message to Netanyahu that "something is about to explode."

Despite these claims, the Biden administration, according to the sources, has no knowledge of such a specific warning. The UAE has previously warned both American and Israeli officials about Israeli actions and rhetoric endangering regional stability prior to October 7th. In March 2023, i24NEWS reported that Emirati businessman Khaldon Al Mubarak conveyed a message to Israeli officials that the government's direction contradicted the Abraham Accords and that some politicians were encouraging violence, thereby endangering regional stability.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Tuesday that the UAE's involvement since October 7th has consistently aimed at de-escalation, regional stability, and preventing violence. They added that UAE and Israeli officials have maintained open communication channels since the normalization of relations over five years ago, and that relevant intelligence has been and continues to be shared when necessary.