Likud Plans Campaign Pivot Amid UAE Warning Controversy

The Likud party is reportedly planning a significant strategic shift in response to the controversy surrounding an alleged warning from the UAE president, aiming to reframe the narrative as a "new V15," referencing a past campaign against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This move seeks to shift focus from claims that Netanyahu received advance warning of the October 7th attacks to questioning the motives behind the leak of the alleged warning.

A political insider described the party's approach as "absolute madness," suggesting the goal is to "turn the tables" and divert attention from the core issue of pre-attack intelligence. While acknowledging the controversy might not sway voters who have already formed opinions on Netanyahu's responsibility for October 7th, the insider noted it could disrupt his ability to control the national agenda.

Netanyahu's office has also raised questions about a recent visit to the UAE by Yair Golan and Ronen Bar, implying a potential connection to the publication of the alleged warning, though no evidence was presented. Based on these assertions, Likud has called for a criminal investigation into Eldar, Ruth Yuval, the newspaper Haaretz, Yair Golan, and the Democratic Party, alleging an attempt to disrupt elections with foreign assistance.

Ron Dermer, a key figure involved in relations with the UAE, has vehemently denied the existence of the alleged conversation between Netanyahu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Dermer stated that as he was consistently involved in communications between the two leaders, he would have known if such a call had occurred. He asserted that both the UAE and Israel confirm the conversation never happened, calling the report "made up."