Liberman Claims Netanyahu Asked UAE President to Deny Pre-Oct. 7 Warning

Avigdor Liberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to deny reports that he had received a warning about the October 7th Hamas attack prior to the event. Liberman made these assertions in an interview with 103FM, suggesting that Netanyahu's recent secret visit to Abu Dhabi was aimed at securing this denial.

Liberman speculated that during the meeting, Netanyahu asked bin Zayed to refute the publications, to which the Emirati president allegedly responded, "I am not prepared to lie for you." While the visit itself was confirmed by Israeli officials and reported internationally, the Prime Minister's Office has denied that Netanyahu received any warning from the UAE regarding the attack.

Liberman stated that he believes the issue was indeed raised during the conversation, citing Netanyahu's behavior upon returning from Abu Dhabi as further evidence for his assessment. "His conduct is not reasonable. This is not the conduct of a sensible person, there are too many questions there," Liberman said, adding that instead of introspection after October 7th, Netanyahu is focused on finding someone to blame.

Liberman also addressed the upcoming elections, stating that Yisrael Beiteinu seeks the Ministry of Public Security and has designated MK Hamad Amar for the role. He outlined a plan to combat organized crime, proposing the establishment of a national headquarters involving the police, Shin Bet, State Attorney's Office, Tax Authority, and the Israel Money Laundering and Terror Financing Prohibition Authority. This plan would include legislation and a different sentencing structure.