Trump Denies Knowledge of Warnings to Netanyahu Before Oct. 7

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview with TIME magazine that he does not believe reports claiming Egyptian and Emirati officials warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the October 7th Hamas attacks. "I heard that today for the first time," Trump said, adding, "I don't think so. I think if he knew, he would have done something about it. Certainly, he would have made sure at least his people were on alert." Netanyahu responded on X, stating, "President Trump is right." However, Trump declined to publicly endorse Netanyahu for another term as prime minister, stating, "I can only say that I am no longer involved in politics." He also commented on Gadi Eisenkot, saying he hadn't heard negative things about him but cautioned against underestimating Netanyahu, who has been "written off" many times before.

Trump also addressed the ongoing conflict with Hamas, stating he would make the right decision in the situation room. Regarding Saudi Arabia, he asserted that without his presidency, neither Saudi Arabia nor Israel would exist today, emphasizing his strong relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He reiterated his past threat to destroy Iran, explaining that destroying Iran would bring about world peace, as peace is impossible while Iran exists.

Meanwhile, a dispute continues in Israel regarding warnings given before October 7th. While publications like the Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic have reported on Egyptian intelligence warnings to Netanyahu, the Prime Minister has vehemently denied meeting or speaking with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel or receiving such warnings. Netanyahu has accused former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar of withholding information and of orchestrating a campaign against him. Netanyahu claimed Bar knew of the danger on October 7th but failed to alert the Prime Minister or deploy forces effectively, suggesting foreign and Arab states are behind a conspiracy to oust his government.

In response, Ronen Bar announced his intention to file a defamation lawsuit against Netanyahu, demanding the disclosure of documents related to information provided to the Prime Minister before October 7th, as well as Netanyahu's meeting logs with security officials and foreign dignitaries. Bar stated he would call Netanyahu's aides and advisors to testify, potentially causing embarrassment. Bar accused Netanyahu of spreading lies and manipulating protocols to deflect blame, asserting that Netanyahu is attempting to shift responsibility by attacking those who warned him in real-time.