Haaretz Report on Netanyahu's Pre-War Warning Faces Scrutiny

A controversy is escalating around a Haaretz investigative report alleging that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about an impending significant event planned by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar approximately ten days before the October 7th attacks. The report, by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval, claims bin Zayed conveyed that Sinwar was preparing a "major event" or "earthquake."

However, the report has drawn sharp criticism from other journalists who question its factual basis and its connection to previous reporting. Aviชัย Grinzaig, a journalist, called the report a "journalistic duck" lacking internal logic and criticized Haaretz for linking it to an earlier, disputed report by Smadar Peri, which he claims has been factually altered over time. Grinzaig noted that Peri herself had retracted claims about a conversation with the intelligence minister, yet Eldar's report includes a quote from such a conversation.

Further criticism came from Ido Friedman of Channel 14, who accused Eldar of participating in a political campaign funded by the Israeli left-wing organization "Derechenu," which he claims is affiliated with the Democratic Party. Friedman alleged that Eldar collaborated with "Derechenu" to promote the report through the organization's platforms, including podcasts and videos, suggesting the content was pre-prepared. He identified senior figures from the Democratic Party and the "Halutz" movement as leading "Derechenu."

Friedman questioned whether Eldar disclosed his financial ties to "Derechenu" to Haaretz, framing the report as part of a political campaign. Eldar reportedly confirmed receiving funds from "Derechenu" for a podcast, which Friedman considers a clear election campaign.