Former PM Naftali Bennett Called for Investigation

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett should be brought in for investigation by Israeli police, according to former legal advisor to the Labor Party, Daniel Cohen. Speaking on Galei Israel radio on Thursday, Cohen stated that individuals involved in potentially influencing elections to serve foreign interests, whether knowingly or unknowingly, must be investigated. He specifically named journalist Shlomi Eldar, an editor at the newspaper Haaretz, and Naftali Bennett as people who should be questioned.

Cohen's remarks come amid reports that Bennett was directly informed by UAE leader Mohammed bin Zayed about a warning call to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the October 7th attacks. Bennett has denied these reports, calling them "false" and stating he does not comment on his conversations with leaders. The UAE leader reportedly asked Bennett not to discuss the matter.

However, an Emirati source contradicted the denial, calling it "ridiculous" and stating that numerous messages were conveyed indicating that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning "something else." Meanwhile, former Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer stated at a conference in Washington that "no conversation took place."