Former Israeli Minister Ron Dermer Denies UAE President Warned Netanyahu of Sinwar Attack

Former Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer has vehemently denied reports that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a planned attack by Yahya Sinwar just a week and a half before the October 7th Hamas massacre. Speaking at the MEAD conference in Washington, Dermer stated that no such conversation ever took place.

Dermer, who was instrumental in expanding the Abraham Accords and strengthening ties with the UAE, asserted that he was privy to all significant discussions between Netanyahu and bin Zayed, either directly participating or being on the line during calls. "This conversation did not happen," Dermer insisted, adding, "It's not even a matter of the content of the conversation, but that I don't think there was a conversation at all. And certainly, that content wasn't there."

He described the report as a "fabrication" and a "made-up story," noting that both the UAE and Israel are clear that the alleged warning never occurred. However, despite Dermer's claims of UAE clarity, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement indicating they would not comment on media reports or speculation regarding conversations, focusing instead on de-escalation and regional stability since October 7th. The ministry did confirm that government bodies in both countries maintain open communication channels and share relevant intelligence.

Meanwhile, the Likud party accused the report of being "foreign interference in the elections," alleging that Palestinian figure Mohammed Dahlan, residing in the UAE, was behind the "false report" and aims to oust the right-wing government to control Gaza. Dahlan's faction responded by calling it a "smear campaign" to divert attention from Netanyahu's responsibility for the October 7th failures, stating Dahlan has no interest in Israeli internal politics and that Netanyahu and Likud will not determine Gaza's future.