Likud Demands Criminal Probe of Haaretz Journalists, Democrats Party Over UAE Warning Report

The Likud party has launched a sharp attack against the newspaper Haaretz, its journalists Schlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval, and the Democrats party led by Yair Golan. This follows a Haaretz report claiming that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of an impending significant move by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar approximately a week before the October 7th attacks. Likud is demanding a criminal investigation into those involved, alleging "an attempt to disrupt elections with foreign elements."

In a statement, Likud declared the "real affair" to be "blatant foreign interference in Israeli elections." The party asserted that the report was fabricated by Palestinian senior official Mohammed Dahlan, who resides in the UAE. Likud claims Dahlan, who has formed a joint list with Hamas for Palestinian Authority elections, seeks to overthrow Netanyahu's right-wing government to gain control of Gaza, which he believes would be facilitated by a weak left-wing government led by figures like Yair Golan.

Likud further suggested a conspiracy, alleging that Eldar received payment from a left-wing organization linked to Golan's Democrats party to spread the "false narrative." The party also questioned a secret visit by Yair Golan and Ronen Bar to the UAE two months prior, asking if it was connected to the Haaretz publication.

The Haaretz report, citing a close advisor to the UAE president, stated that bin Zayed urged Netanyahu to prepare for a significant event planned by Sinwar, warning it could cause bloodshed, destabilize the region, and harm the Abraham Accords. According to the report, Netanyahu responded calmly, believing Hamas intended to act in the West Bank and that Israel was prepared for any scenario. The advisor reportedly told Haaretz that bin Zayed advised Israel to be ready and suggested finding economic solutions for Gaza and calming the West Bank to prevent escalation.