Journalist Claims New Evidence of Pre-War Warning to Netanyahu

Journalist Shlomi Eldar has revealed new details regarding a purported warning from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prior to the October 7th Hamas attacks. Eldar claims he is "documented and verified" in his reporting, stating that bin Zayed alerted Netanyahu to an "attack that would shake the region." Netanyahu allegedly responded that "in the Gaza Strip, we are sorted."

Eldar also addressed reports that Netanyahu filed a NIS 2.6 million defamation lawsuit against him and other media outlets. Eldar stated he has not yet received the lawsuit and believes it has not been filed with the court, despite Netanyahu's public announcement. Eldar expressed eagerness to go to court, asserting his confidence in his documentation and verification of the events.

Eldar suggested that Netanyahu's alleged pressure on bin Zayed to issue a denial of the warning angered the UAE president. He recounted that Netanyahu met with bin Zayed and expressed concern that a senior advisor was complicating matters for both of them, requesting a denial. However, Eldar stated that bin Zayed, known as a man of truth, did not deny the conversation.

Eldar explained that he and fellow journalist Ruti Yuval researched bin Zayed's personality, concluding he would not deny the conversation if it occurred. He further claimed that bin Zayed resisted pressure to deny the call, not wanting to interfere in Israeli elections, and that his non-denial should be seen as an affirmation. Eldar clarified that Sufian Abu Zeida, a former Hamas official, is not his source and had refused to speak with him upon learning Eldar knew the story.

Eldar detailed that a message from Sinwar, conveyed through Abu Zeida, warned of an "earthquake" and emptying Israeli prisons. This message, he explained, reached bin Zayed, who interpreted it as a warning of an impending attack and subsequently contacted Netanyahu. Eldar stated the call lasted about 45 minutes, during which bin Zayed warned of an attack that would shake the region, and Netanyahu focused on the situation in the West Bank, claiming Gaza was handled.

Eldar dismissed claims that his reporting is politically motivated, emphasizing his and Yuval's long careers and commitment to uncovering the truth. He concluded that a full understanding of the warnings preceding October 7th would require a state commission of inquiry.