These revelations weigh heavily on Netanyahu ahead of the election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure as new revelations emerge suggesting he ignored a high-level warning from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about an impending Hamas attack days before the October 7, 2023, massacre. According to reports published by Haaretz, Netanyahu was allegedly warned by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that Hamas planned a major operation, yet he did not inform Israeli security agencies or take action. The allegations, part of a forthcoming book by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval, have intensified scrutiny of Netanyahu’s leadership ahead of the October 27 parliamentary elections. The warning, described as one of the clearest and most explicit pre-attack alerts, occurred approximately 14 days before the Hamas assault. During a more-than-40-minute phone call, bin Zayed reportedly conveyed concerns about an imminent “major event” involving Hamas, referencing a “terrifying operation” akin to an “earthquake.” The UAE had normalized relations with Israel in 2020 through the U.S.-mediated Abraham Accords. According to Haaretz, the warning originated from a former Palestinian government representative, who had received information from a Fatah-linked intermediary connected to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. This intermediary, referred to as “coal eyes,” allegedly passed along Sinwar’s threat to the UAE, prompting bin Zayed to contact Netanyahu. Despite the gravity of the warning, Netanyahu’s office has dismissed the claims as “an outright lie,” denying that such a conversation took place. A close aide to bin Zayed, cited in the report, also refuted the existence of the call. However, the report asserts that the conversation was notable because it occurred shortly before the attack and involved a secure communication channel, with the UAE ambassador accompanying bin Zayed to ensure confidentiality during the call. The accusations have drawn sharp criticism from members of Israel’s opposition. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of ignoring “dozens of warnings” about the attack, calling him “unfit for office.” Similarly, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett claimed Netanyahu bore “personal and direct responsibility” for the loss of thousands of lives. These criticisms align with broader calls for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the October 7 attacks, which left over 1,200 Israelis dead, including hundreds of civilians and nearly 250 hostages. Israeli intelligence services, including the Shin Bet, were reportedly aware of Hamas’ plans prior to the attack. According to the report, Sinwar himself had warned intermediaries about an “earth-shaking” operation. Yet, despite these signals, Netanyahu’s government did not escalate preparations or alert military and security forces. The report notes that while some intelligence officials were informed, key figures such as former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and former IDF chief of staff Herzl Halevi were not. The controversy comes amid heightened tensions in Israel, where the October 7 attacks marked the deadliest conflict in the country’s history. Following the assault, Hamas offered unconditional release of all civilian captives, though Netanyahu’s government rejected the proposals. The situation deteriorated further with a subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza and later operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Netanyahu’s refusal to acknowledge the UAE warning has fueled speculation about his decision-making process and whether he deliberately withheld critical information. His office maintains that the report is false, but the allegations have deepened public distrust in his leadership. With the parliamentary elections approaching, the controversy threatens to dominate the political discourse, potentially impacting his chances of securing another term. As the debate intensifies, the question of accountability remains unresolved. While some within the Israeli military and intelligence community have acknowledged past failures, Netanyahu continues to deflect blame onto external actors and opponents. The ongoing dispute underscores the complex dynamics of power and responsibility in a nation grappling with profound national trauma.