Liberman Accuses Netanyahu of Knowing About Oct. 7 Attack in Advance

Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being aware of the planned Hamas attack on October 7th, claiming Netanyahu received detailed warnings prior to the event. Speaking on 103fm radio, Liberman asserted that Netanyahu was presented with an "11-page document" outlining the entire scenario that unfolded.

Liberman further alleged that Netanyahu recently met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, seeking a denial of prior information about the attack. According to Liberman, bin Zayed refused, stating, "I am not prepared to lie for you." Liberman suggested that Netanyahu's subsequent public criticism of Arab nations interfering in Israeli elections was a reaction to this alleged refusal.

Liberman recalled that as early as 2019, then-Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman reportedly warned Netanyahu about funds from Qatar reaching Hamas's military wing. Liberman described Netanyahu as the "father of the policy of containment," suggesting the Prime Minister believed the situation could be managed, particularly in anticipation of normalization with Saudi Arabia.

Liberman criticized Netanyahu's foreign policy actions, calling his behavior "abnormal" and questioning his focus on finding scapegoats rather than conducting self-reflection ahead of the anniversary of the October 7th attacks. He stated that his claims are his personal assessment, based on his years of experience in security cabinet meetings and one-on-one discussions with Netanyahu.