Netanyahu Sues Haaretz Over Report on Pre-Oct. 7 Hamas Warning

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has filed a defamation lawsuit against the newspaper "Haaretz," other media outlets, and journalists following publications alleging he received a warning about Hamas's intentions for a significant attack before October 7. Netanyahu vehemently denies receiving such a warning.

Earlier this month, "Haaretz" reported that about a week and a half before October 7, Netanyahu spoke by phone with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed. According to the report, bin Zayed warned Netanyahu that Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, was planning a significant move against Israel. The report further claimed Netanyahu responded that Israel was prepared for any scenario but did not update security chiefs about the conversation.

The Prime Minister's Office denied these claims, stating they were "an absolute lie" and that "Prime Minister Netanyahu did not speak with the President of the United Arab Emirates during the period in question and did not receive any warning from him." Netanyahu himself addressed the publication, stating that no conversation took place between him and the UAE president from early September until October 7. He asserted that his call logs, which document his conversations, showed no record of such a call. He added that a thorough check of office entry logs also revealed no visits by an Emirati representative to the Prime Minister's office.

Following the publication, Netanyahu instructed that a defamation suit be filed against "Haaretz," journalists, and other parties, according to the newspaper's report. This lawsuit joins another legal proceeding concerning events prior to October 7. Yesterday, former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar announced he had filed a defamation suit against Netanyahu regarding claims about signs that preceded the attack. Both lawsuits are being filed as elections approach, and sources suggest these proceedings could shed light on the information available to various parties before October 7, potentially opening a "Pandora's box" for the public.