NYT: UAE President Warned Netanyahu of Hamas Attack Before Oct. 7

A "New York Times" investigation, citing sources familiar with a call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed, reports that bin Zayed warned Netanyahu of a potential major Hamas attack in late September 2023. This account contrasts with Netanyahu's firm denials of such a conversation.

According to the report, two sources confirmed the call took place and that the UAE president cautioned Netanyahu about Hamas's consideration of a large-scale offensive. While the UAE has not issued a clear denial of the report, Netanyahu has categorically rejected the claim of the call and any warning received.

Furthermore, five former senior Israeli officials told the "New York Times" that Netanyahu did not relay this alleged warning to top security officials. The newspaper obtained minutes from a security meeting Netanyahu held on October 1, 2023, six days before the Hamas attack, which did not mention any warning attributed to bin Zayed. During that meeting, Netanyahu reportedly focused on maintaining calm in Gaza and opposed military action against Hamas leaders, citing concerns it could jeopardize normalization talks with Saudi Arabia.

The specific details of the alleged warning remain unclear, including the precise nature of the planned attack and the original source of the information provided to bin Zayed. The report notes that the origin of the intelligence bin Zayed reportedly shared with Netanyahu is still unknown.

Despite Netanyahu's denials, the "New York Times" report indicates that bin Zayed referenced the September 2023 call with Netanyahu during a later conversation with then-CIA Director William Burns. A source privy to that call stated that bin Zayed informed Burns about discussing a "ticking threat of violence in the West Bank or Gaza by Hamas" with Netanyahu, referencing the earlier warning.