Netanyahu Asked UAE President to Deny Hamas Attack Warning Reports

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly asked UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to deny claims that he had warned Netanyahu about a Hamas attack prior to October 7, 2023. The request was made during a secret meeting between the two leaders, according to an Associated Press report citing a source with firsthand knowledge of the encounter. Netanyahu continues to deny receiving any such warning.

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the meeting but did not issue a denial, stating that the UAE maintains "open and direct communication channels" with Israel and shares "all relevant intelligence information." The visit itself, which took place on September 27, was not formally announced by either side, with Israel's official state news agency also remaining silent on the matter.

This development follows earlier investigations by Israeli and international media outlets that suggested Netanyahu had received direct warnings. An investigation published in Haaretz in early September 2023 claimed that the UAE president had personally alerted Netanyahu to a planned large-scale Hamas attack, described as an "earthquake." Netanyahu and his office vehemently denied this at the time.

Further corroboration came from The New York Times, which reported that bin Zayed had indeed discussed Hamas's plans for a major assault with Netanyahu, even mentioning it to the CIA director. The report indicated that Netanyahu did not raise this intelligence at a security meeting on October 1, 2023, where he reportedly opposed striking Hamas leaders.

Additional reports from The Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic detailed warnings from Egypt. The head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel, allegedly called Netanyahu in early October 2023 to warn of an impending attack from Gaza, after previous Egyptian warnings were reportedly ignored. The Wall Street Journal stated Netanyahu's office denied speaking with Kamel, while The Atlantic reported Kamel made a brief, secret visit to Ben Gurion Airport on September 26, 2023, to convey an urgent warning about Hamas's preparations for a major attack and suggested economic concessions to prevent conflict.

Furthermore, a Palestinian politician, Sufian Abu Zeida, revealed a message dictated to him by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar approximately three weeks before October 7. The message, shared with Israeli authorities, stated, "Before the end of September, we will put the cards on the table. There will be an earthquake regarding the negotiations, and they (the Israelis) should prepare for the emptying of prisons." This aligns with earlier, highly classified intelligence reported by Ynet and Yediot Ahronot, indicating Sinwar had communicated a similar threat about causing an "earthquake" and freeing all prisoners by the end of September.