According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, United Arab Emirates leader Mohammed bin Zayed personally warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a major impending Hamas offensive roughly ten days prior to the October 7, 2023 attacks, though Netanyahu allegedly downplayed the threat and failed to inform top security chiefs.
Intelligence Warnings and Dismissed Threats Before October 7
The 45-minute phone call occurred in late September 2023, according to the book Kidnapped: 843 Days of Abandonment by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval. Citing dozens of interviews with senior officials in Israel and worldwide, the authors report that Mohammed bin Zayed warned Netanyahu that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was plotting a large-scale action that would cause widespread bloodshed, destabilize the region, and potentially jeopardize the Abraham Accords.
Three senior foreign officials were briefed on the contents of the call at the time. One adviser to Mohammed bin Zayed possessed direct knowledge of the conversation. According to the report, the UAE leader expressed surprise when Netanyahu responded with optimism, stating that Jerusalem had the situation in Gaza under control, that any Hamas action would likely occur in the West Bank, and that Israel was prepared for any scenario.
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Mohammed bin Zayed’s awareness of the threat originated directly from Yahya Sinwar. By mid-2023, Sinwar had grown frustrated with stalled prisoner release negotiations with Israel and had reportedly warned a major Fatah interlocutor to prepare for a “terremoto” if progress stalled.
US Naval Encounters and Gulf Maritime Blockade
In ongoing regional developments, Iran launched an attack against U.S. Navy vessels, following weekend missile strikes targeting an American aircraft carrier and a guided-missile destroyer, according to the Wall Street Journal. U.S. forces reported that no American ships were struck during the incidents. However, the actions highlight Tehran’s growing missile capabilities and willingness to escalate operations as a U.S.-led maritime blockade strains the Iranian economy.
According to updates from the U.S. Central Command (Centcom), American forces continue enforcing a strict naval blockade against Iran. By September 6, U.S. forces had diverted 92 commercial vessels, rendered three watercraft unusable, and boarded two ships to enforce compliance. Additionally, U.S. forces targeted three Iranian tankers accused of financing the Iranian military apparatus.
Explosions Reported Near Strategic Iranian Waterways
Iranian media outlets documented explosions between Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz. Fars News, an agency affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported an explosion near the port city of Jask, close to the vital energy corridor of the Strait of Hormuz.
Simultaneously, regional tensions intersected with international financial scrutiny. As reported by the Sunday Times, two luxury penthouse apartments in Kensington, London, purchased for a combined 35.75 million pounds via intermediaries between 2014 and 2016, were put on sale. The properties are linked to Iranian banker Ali Ansari—identified by British and U.S. authorities as a financial frontman for Mojtaba Khamenei.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who warned Benjamin Netanyahu about the October 7 attacks?
According to the book Kidnapped: 843 Days of Abandonment cited by Haaretz, UAE leader Mohammed bin Zayed personally warned Netanyahu via a phone call in late September 2023.
Have U.S. warships been hit in recent Iranian attacks?
No. According to U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, no American vessels were struck during recent Iranian missile and naval attacks.
What is the role of Centcom in the Persian Gulf conflict?
The U.S. Central Command is actively enforcing a maritime blockade against Iran, which has resulted in the diversion of 92 commercial vessels and the interdiction of several ships as of September 6, according to Centcom statements.
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