Haaretz complaint: Netanyahu warned by the UAE 10 days before the October 7 attack He denies: Liar, never informed

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was warned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) president, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, approximately one week before Hamas’s deadly attack on October 7, 2023, according to an investigative report published by Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The report, based on interviews with dozens of Israeli officials and international sources, including internal documents and communications, claims that the warning was delivered via a 45-minute phone call. During the conversation, bin Zayed reportedly informed Netanyahu of plans by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for a large-scale operation that could lead to significant casualties, regional instability, and undermine the Abraham Accords between Israel and Arab states. Netanyahu allegedly dismissed the threat, responding with relative calm and asserting that Israel was prepared for any scenario. According to the report, bin Zayed urged Netanyahu to take the situation seriously and consider economic measures to ease tensions in the Gaza Strip and reduce hostilities in the West Bank. However, Netanyahu did not pass this information along to Israeli intelligence agencies, despite being advised by UAE officials to prepare accordingly. The report further suggests that months prior to the attack, Netanyahu had authorized high-level Israeli officials to negotiate with Hamas in exchange for easing the economic blockade on Gaza and reducing tensions. A senior Israeli security official confirmed that Netanyahu approved the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners, including 20 serving life sentences, in late August 2023. However, the handover was repeatedly postponed, leading to frustration among Hamas leaders who eventually broke off negotiations. In response to the report, Israeli opposition figures have criticized Netanyahu. Yair Golan, leader of the Israeli Democratic Party, accused Netanyahu of knowing about the impending attack and deliberately ignoring warnings. He called him “illegitimate” and claimed he should face criminal charges for abandoning his responsibilities. Similarly, former chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Gadi Eisenkot, stated that Netanyahu led Israel blindly toward catastrophe, disregarding repeated alerts. Meanwhile, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran’s stance of continuing resistance against perceived aggressors, stating that the Islamic Republic would persist in its efforts until the aggressors showed remorse. In another development, Iran has captured a U.S. submarine drone, according to Iranian state media, which described the incident as a significant military achievement. British authorities have been accused by Israeli officials of promoting anti-Semitic sentiment globally, following London’s alleged involvement in accusing Israeli actions in the West Bank of constituting ethnic cleansing. This accusation has sparked controversy, with Israeli leaders condemning the British government for fueling prejudice against Jews worldwide. The report has intensified political pressure on Netanyahu ahead of upcoming elections, with critics arguing that his failure to act on intelligence warnings contributed to the scale of the October 7 attacks. As the situation continues to evolve, both domestic and international responses remain under scrutiny.