Haaretz Journalist's Political Ties Questioned Amid Netanyahu Report

Following the publication of a Haaretz investigative report alleging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was warned before the October 7th attacks, journalist Shlomi Eldar began promoting the story in collaboration with the "Derechenu" organization. This organization is reportedly affiliated with the Democratic Party and is managed by senior figures from the party, including Avishai Ben-Aharon. Eldar admitted to receiving funds from "Derechenu" for his podcast, raising questions about whether he disclosed these ties to Haaretz before the report's publication, especially with elections approaching.

The Haaretz report, authored by Eldar, claimed that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu about an impending significant event orchestrated by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar approximately a week and a half before October 7th, but that Netanyahu allegedly failed to relay this information to security officials. The "Derechenu" organization, which Eldar partnered with to promote the story, is also linked to the "Halutz" movement, whose members are also part of the Democratic Party.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has responded by instructing his office to file a defamation lawsuit against Haaretz and its journalists, including Eldar, Ruti Yuval, and Uri Misgav. The demand includes the removal of the article, a public apology, and payment of one million shekels within 72 hours, with a threat of a larger lawsuit exceeding 2.5 million shekels if these conditions are not met.

In response to inquiries, Eldar confirmed receiving funds from "Derechenu" for his podcast, which the article suggests further embeds the report within a political election campaign. The United Arab Emirates has also officially commented on the report, stating they are not part of the event and cannot constantly fend off rumors in the Israeli media.