UAE Denies Warning Netanyahu on Hamas Attack Before October 7

A UAE official has denied reports that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of an imminent Hamas attack before October 7. The official stated that the UAE discusses security issues through relevant channels and does not share such details at the leadership level. The report suggested that the issue has become a focal point for Israeli politicians campaigning ahead of upcoming elections.

This denial comes after a report in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz claimed that Netanyahu received explicit intelligence from Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar about a planned operation a week and a half before the October 7 attack, and did not inform security chiefs. The Prime Minister's office vehemently denied this, calling it a "complete lie" and stating Netanyahu did not speak with the UAE president during the relevant period nor receive any warning.

According to the Haaretz investigation, bin Zayed called Netanyahu from Abu Dhabi for a 45-minute conversation, during which he reportedly expressed concern that Sinwar was planning a major move against Israel that could lead to bloodshed and destabilize the region, potentially harming the Abraham Accords.

Separately, Soufan Abu Zaida, a senior Fatah official and former Palestinian Authority minister, revealed himself as the source who passed on the warning about Sinwar's intentions to Israel. In a video, he stated he would soon detail the message Sinwar asked him to convey to the Israeli side. Abu Zaida appears to be the "coal eyes" source mentioned in the Haaretz report, who allegedly passed the message to the Shin Bet in September 2023.

Abu Zaida also indicated he would discuss efforts over the past year and a half between Israel and Hamas aimed at a hostage deal, involving the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages, lifting the Gaza blockade, and addressing humanitarian needs. He noted that Israel linked these efforts to the return of prisoners and bodies held by Hamas. Further details are expected in an interview with Egyptian channel Al-Ad.

Member of Knesset Yulia Malinovsky of Yisrael Beiteinu commented that the identification of the source of the warning explains Netanyahu's reluctance to establish a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 failures, vowing to do so if her party forms the next government.