Netanyahu Sues Israeli Media Over Pre-Oct. 7 Warning Claims
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sued several Israeli media outlets, including Haaretz, Ynet, and N12, for defamation. The lawsuits stem from reports claiming he was warned about an impending major attack by Hamas before October 7, 2023, which Netanyahu denies.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu sued Israeli media over reports of pre-Oct. 7 attack warnings.
- He called the reports an "absolute lie" and denied receiving warnings.
- Haaretz reported UAE President bin Zayed warned Netanyahu about Sinwar's plans.
- Netanyahu accused political rivals and foreign actors of spreading falsehoods.
- The UAE confirmed communication channels but not specific warnings.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu filed multiple defamation lawsuits against Israeli media outlets, including Haaretz, Ynet, and N12, on Tuesday. The legal action follows reports alleging he received warnings prior to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
Netanyahu vehemently denied the claims, stating, "The Emirates denied it, the Egyptians denied it: this is an absolute lie." He accused political opponents and "hostile foreign actors" of spreading the information as elections approach, aiming to destabilize his government.
A central report targeted by the lawsuits, published by Haaretz, claimed that in late September 2023, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed personally warned Netanyahu that Yahya Sinwar was planning a major operation against Israel. According to Haaretz, Netanyahu did not relay this warning to Israeli security officials and reacted with relative calm despite bin Zayed's urging to take the information seriously.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on "media narratives or speculation concerning conversations between leaders." However, the ministry confirmed that Israeli and Emirati officials maintain direct communication channels and share relevant intelligence when necessary.
Netanyahu's office has categorically rejected the version of events presented by Haaretz.
Mentioned
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