Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was personally alerted by United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that Hamas was planning a large-scale offensive against Israel a week before the October 7, 2023 attacks, but did not act on the warning, according to a book by Haaretz reporters. The revelation, which has surfaced amid a crucial national election campaign, prompted immediate political backlash as opposition leaders declared the prime minister “unfit” for office. Netanyahu’s office forcefully denounced the report as an “absolute lie” and denied that the prime minister spoke to the Emirati leader during that period.
The UAE Warning and Book Allegations
According to the book Hostages: 843 Days of Abandonment—authored by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruti Yuval and based on dozens of sources in Israel and worldwide, including very senior officials—UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed communicated frequently with senior Israeli leaders. Haaretz reported that a UAE diplomat delivered a secure phone to the Israeli prime minister specifically for these high-level conversations. A week and a half before October 7, bin Zayed allegedly called Netanyahu from the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi for a 45-minute conversation. During the call, the Emirati leader warned that Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a major operation that could destabilize the entire region. To bin Zayed’s surprise, Netanyahu reacted calmly to the news and assured the Emirati president that Israel was prepared for any scenario, according to the report.
The book’s authors cite senior officials, recordings, internal documents, correspondences, and a close adviser to bin Zayed. In addition, Haaretz reported that Sinwar had previously warned a former Palestinian official in mid-September 2023 that militants were preparing “a terrifying operation” which he described as an “earthquake.” Netanyahu’s office issued a statement on Tuesday denying that the UAE gave him a warning, asserting instead that “if there was any relevant information, it was passed through intelligence channels between the two countries.” A CNN report added that Netanyahu’s office had attempted to get the UAE to deny the Haaretz story, but the UAE Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying only that it does not comment on private conversations between government leaders while confirming that relevant intelligence is communicated when necessary. Eldar pushed back against Netanyahu’s denial in an interview, stating he spent a year and a half working on the report and possesses documents and records proving the call occurred.
Did You Know? Haaretz reported that Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader later killed by Israel, sent a message through a Palestinian mediator in mid-September 2023 warning of an upcoming “earthquake” operation.
Political Backlash and Election Impact
The allegations have intensified pressure on Netanyahu as Israel faces national elections in October. Four opposition party leaders—Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan—issued a joint statement demanding answers regarding what the prime minister knew and why he allegedly failed to act. “The Israeli public is entitled to know: What did Netanyahu know, when did he know, why he didn’t update the security establishment, and why he didn’t act to protect Israeli civilians?” the statement declared. Eisenkot, a former military commander and Netanyahu’s main rival in the upcoming elections, accused the prime minister of evading responsibility for security lapses and resorting to “pathetic” excuses regarding the morning of the attack. Bennett, a former prime minister, stated on X that Netanyahu “bears personal and direct responsibility” for the deaths on October 7 and called his actions “criminal negligence.” Democrats party leader Yair Golan echoed these sentiments on social media, telling Netanyahu that the stories about no one waking him up are over. Opposition parties have stated that establishing an independent state commission of inquiry appointed by the supreme court will be their first priority if elected, though Netanyahu’s government has rejected the proposal.
Broader Context of the Conflict
The October 7, 2023, offensive saw Hamas militants kill more than 1,200 people and take 251 people hostage, triggering a prolonged and devastating conflict. Subsequent wars involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Israelis, mostly soldiers. Meanwhile, Israel’s retaliatory offensive has left most of Gaza in ruins and killed more than 73,000 Palestinians. While military and intelligence chiefs have resigned in the wake of the security failures, Netanyahu remains the only top political leader who has yet to step down. The latest controversy compounds earlier reports from US lawmakers indicating that Egyptian intelligence officials also provided Israel with warnings about a possible terrorist attack shortly before Hamas launched its operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who allegedly warned Benjamin Netanyahu about the Hamas attack?
According to a book by Haaretz reporters Shlomi Eldar and Ruti Yuval, United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally warned Netanyahu during a 45-minute phone call a week and a half before the October 7, 2023 attack.
How has Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the allegations?
Netanyahu’s office slammed the report as an “absolute lie,” denying that the prime minister spoke with the Emirati president during that period or received any warning from him. The office stated that any relevant information would have been passed through official intelligence channels.
What are the political consequences of the report?
The allegations have amplified political pressure from Israeli opposition leaders ahead of the October elections. Figures including Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, and Yair Golan have accused Netanyahu of ignoring warnings and failing to protect Israeli citizens, while demanding an immediate investigation into the security failures.
How will these revelations influence voter decisions in the upcoming Israeli elections?