Palestinian Official Reveals He Was Source of Sinwar's Hamas Attack Warning

Palestinian politician Dr. Sufian Abu Zaida, a Fatah and PLO official and former PA minister, revealed on Wednesday that he was the source, codenamed "Coal Eyes," who conveyed a warning from Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in mid-September about an impending attack on Israel. Abu Zaida stated he would provide further details about the message from Sinwar and mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas. The Prime Minister's office denied the report and threatened legal action.

The story, initially revealed in a book by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval, identified Abu Zaida as the intermediary. He reportedly received the message from Sinwar during negotiations concerning the return of bodies of IDF soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, and of civilians Hisham al-Sayed and Abera Mengistu, who are held by Hamas. According to Eldar, when talks stalled in early September, Sinwar, who had disappeared from Shin Bet surveillance, contacted Abu Zaida. Sinwar allegedly told Abu Zaida to "tell the Israelis I am planning a big surprise for them if they don't advance," using the term "earthquake" for the first time.

Abu Zaida, alarmed by the message, initially passed it to a close associate who now advises UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed. Fearing accusations of collaboration, Abu Zaida did not immediately inform the Shin Bet. After the associate updated bin Zayed, Abu Zaida was prompted to speak with Sinwar again. During this second conversation, Sinwar reiterated his threat, describing an "enormous operation, something exceptional," and again used the word "earthquake," demanding the message be delivered to Israel verbatim.

Abu Zaida then contacted the UAE presidential advisor again, and on September 15, conveyed the warning to the Shin Bet. Then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar discussed the intelligence with Prime Minister Netanyahu, leading to security discussions. However, the prevailing assessment was that Sinwar intended to capture Israeli researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who had been abducted in Iraq. Eldar reported that bin Zayed, concerned by Israel's lack of response, spoke with Netanyahu for 45 minutes to ensure the warning was received. Netanyahu reportedly assured bin Zayed that Israel was prepared in Gaza and suggested any trouble would be in the West Bank. The report claims Netanyahu did not update the then-IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, or then-Mossad chief David Barnea after this conversation.

Security officials told Eldar that knowing about the warning from Sinwar via Netanyahu could have provided additional weight to the intelligence received on September 15, potentially altering their assessment of Hamas's intentions and the significance of Sinwar's withdrawal from negotiations. The report cites recordings and cross-referenced documentation to support its claims. In a subsequent meeting on October 1, concerning Gaza border riots and Hamas's intent for an attack in the West Bank, the Shin Bet chief again recommended eliminating senior Hamas figures, including Sinwar, whom he described as "showing signs of arrogance." Netanyahu's response was reportedly, "Prepare plans for me and I will consider," a phrase security officials interpreted as a way to defer action. He also advised to "continue working on capabilities, but for now, calm the situation," without mentioning the prior warnings.