Netanyahu Allies Seek to Shift Blame Over Pre-Oct 7 Warning Controversy

The Likud party and associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are attempting to reframe the controversy surrounding a purported warning from the UAE about the October 7th Hamas attack. They aim to portray the allegations as a "new V15", referencing a past campaign against Netanyahu, and suggest foreign interference in Israeli elections.

Sources close to the political system describe the Likud's response as "absolute madness," with the strategy focused on "turning the tables." The goal is to shift the public's attention from claims that Netanyahu received advance warning of the attack to questioning the motives and origins of the published information. While this may not sway voters who have already formed opinions on Netanyahu's responsibility for October 7th, it could disrupt his control over the national agenda, according to one source.

Channel 14 has published documents that the Likud claims Netanyahu previously provided to the State Comptroller, supporting his version of events. However, the source suggests such revelations are unlikely to change the minds of Netanyahu's political rivals, as "opinions are already formed."

The Likud also highlighted a recent visit by Yair Golan and Ronen Bar to the UAE, questioning if it was connected to the leak, though no evidence was presented. Based on these assertions, the Likud has demanded a criminal investigation into individuals and entities, including Haaretz newspaper and the Democratic Party, alleging an attempt to disrupt elections with foreign assistance.

Ron Dermer, a key figure involved in relations between Netanyahu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vehemently denied the existence of the reported conversation. Dermer stated that as part of his role in expanding the Abraham Accords and strengthening ties with the UAE, he was privy to all significant discussions between the leaders. "This conversation did not happen," Dermer asserted, adding that the content was also fabricated. He emphasized that both the UAE and Israel confirm the conversation never took place, calling the story "made up."