Report Claims UAE Warned Netanyahu Before October 7
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was allegedly warned by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan about a major Hamas operation roughly a week and a half before the October 7, 2023 attack, according to a new investigation. Netanyahu’s office has rejected the claim as an “absolute lie”.
UAE Leader Allegedly Warned Netanyahu of Hamas Plans
The investigation claims Mohammed bin Zayed held a 45-minute phone conversation with Netanyahu after receiving information that then-Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was preparing a major operation against Israel.
The Emirati president reportedly urged Netanyahu to take the warning seriously, fearing an attack could cause heavy bloodshed and destabilise the region.
Netanyahu allegedly responded that he believed Hamas was more focused on the West Bank and assured the UAE leader that Israel was prepared for any scenario.
Warning Was Reportedly Not Shared With Security Chiefs
The investigation further claims Netanyahu did not disclose the alleged UAE warning to senior Israeli security officials, including the heads of Shin Bet and Mossad or the military chief of staff.
It also alleges that Shin Bet had separately received information in September 2023 suggesting Sinwar was preparing a major escalation. Then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar reportedly warned Netanyahu that Israel was heading towards a confrontation.
Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel was also alleged to have contacted Netanyahu with a separate warning about unusual Hamas activity.
Netanyahu Rejects October 7 Warning Allegations
Netanyahu’s office has categorically denied that the phone conversation with Mohammed bin Zayed took place during the period in question and said the Prime Minister received no such warning.
The UAE president has not publicly confirmed the reported conversation.
The claims have intensified political pressure in Israel, with former prime minister Naftali Bennett accusing Netanyahu of ignoring warnings before the attack and calling for accountability over the failures preceding October 7.
