UAE Denies Warning Netanyahu on Oct. 7, Sparking Political Firestorm

An official statement from the United Arab Emirates, asserting that security matters are discussed at professional levels rather than between national leaders, has ignited a political and media controversy. This statement is widely interpreted as a denial of a report by journalist Shlomi Eldar in the newspaper Haaretz, which claimed that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed had warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the October 7th Hamas attacks. The UAE official source stated, "Security matters are discussed at the relevant levels and not at the leaders' level."

Following the UAE's announcement, media figures and right-wing politicians argued that Eldar's report had collapsed. Conversely, others maintained that the Emirati phrasing was ambiguous and did not constitute an explicit denial. Yinnon Magal, a commentator, wrote on social media that the UAE officially denied bin Zayed warned Netanyahu, adding sarcastically, "Tomorrow we will all gather to light a memorial candle for another spin that has passed away." He further criticized those who spread the report, suggesting they could ask for forgiveness on the eve of Yom Kippur.

Coalition Chairman MK Ofir Katz strongly criticized the report, stating, "They will invent 'exposés' and 'media storms,' lies upon lies against Netanyahu and the Likud." He predicted continued attacks until the elections but expressed confidence that "the citizens of Israel do not buy their lies."

Other commentators weighed in, with Yotam Zimri dismissing the Haaretz report as "nonsense." Journalist Attila Somfalvi countered that the UAE statement was not a denial, calling it "vague" and suggesting Zimri might not understand English or was obligated to support his "boss." Noam Amir also attacked the report, claiming the Emirati statement "bursts this fake balloon definitively." He anticipated further claims that Netanyahu's office pressured the UAE to issue the denial, suggesting a coordinated effort to serve a "false narrative."