UAE Official Denies Warning Call to Netanyahu Before Oct. 7

An Emirati official has denied reports that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of an imminent Hamas attack in the weeks preceding October 7. The official, responding to inquiries from The National newspaper, stated that such sensitive security matters are not discussed at the level of national leaders but rather through relevant official bodies. The UAE "discusses security issues with other countries through the competent authorities, and does not discuss such details at the level of national leaders," the official said.

This statement follows a report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which alleged that bin Zayed had issued a direct warning to Netanyahu. The UAE's previous official response to the Haaretz report was non-committal, stating that the government does not comment on media reports or speculation about conversations between leaders. The ministry emphasized that the UAE's consistent aim since October 7 has been de-escalation, regional stability, and the prevention of violence.

The previous statement also confirmed that Emirati and Israeli officials have maintained open communication channels for over five years, with relevant intelligence being exchanged when necessary. This suggests that while direct warnings about specific attacks may not have occurred at the highest level, ongoing security dialogue exists between the two nations.