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Netanyahu was supposed to have been warned before October 7th, but he didn't notify the security services.
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsProgressiveOverlooked by conservatives9/8/2026

Netanyahu was supposed to have been warned before October 7th, but he didn't notify the security services.

The article reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was allegedly warned by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in September 2023 about an impending attack by Hamas in Gaza, but did not inform Israel's security services. The warning came during multiple meetings between bin Zayed and Netanyahu, where bin Zayed expressed concerns over regional instability and the potential impact on the Abraham Accords. According to the report citing three high-level foreign sources, Netanyahu dismissed the warnings, claiming Hamas was planning operations on the West Bank rather than Gaza. Former Shin Bet director Ronen Bar and former military chief Herzl Halevi stated they were not informed of bin Zayed’s warnings. The report also mentions Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel similarly warned Netanyahu about Hamas' plans, which Netanyahu downplayed, focusing his attention on the West Bank. The article highlights the lack of coordination between Israeli leadership and external intelligence sources regarding the Hamas threat.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly knew about an imminent large-scale Hamas attack weeks before it occurred on 7 October 2023, according to a detailed investigation published by Haaretz. The report, based on internal documents, recordings, and interviews with high-ranking officials, suggests that Netanyahu was directly warned by the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, but failed to share the information with his security agencies. According to the findings, bin Zayed called Netanyahu in late September 2023 during a 45-minute private conversation. During the call, bin Zayed expressed concern that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a major operation against Israel, which could destabilize the region and undermine the Abraham Accords. The report states that bin Zayed urged Netanyahu to prepare for the threat and suggested economic solutions for Gaza while calming tensions in the West Bank. A close aide to bin Zayed, a Palestinian former resident of Gaza with ties to both Hamas and Israeli intelligence services, confirmed these details to Haaretz. Netanyahu responded with what the report describes as a calm and dismissive attitude. He reportedly assured bin Zayed that Hamas intended to operate primarily in the West Bank and that Israel was prepared for any scenario. However, the report claims that Netanyahu did not inform his intelligence and military leadership, specifically the head of the Shin Bet intelligence agency, Ronen Bar, and former IDF chief of staff Herzl Halevi, about the warning. Both men later stated they were unaware of the conversation. The warning was based on information from a confidential intermediary known as "Coal Eyes," a former member of Fatah who communicated between Hamas and Israeli security services. According to the report, Sinwar had privately told this intermediary that he was preparing a "big surprise" for Israel, describing it as a "terrifying operation." The intermediary then passed this message to bin Zayed, who relayed it to Netanyahu. The report adds that Sinwar later described the operation as the "mother of all surprises." Days before the attack, similar warnings reached Netanyahu from Egypt. Abbas Kamel, head of Egypt's intelligence service, reportedly alerted him to a "catastrophic" operation being planned by Hamas. Again, Netanyahu dismissed the concerns, stating that Israel had control over Gaza and that its focus remained on the West Bank. Despite repeated warnings, Netanyahu’s government did not take decisive action. On 1 October, Shin Bet recommended targeting Sinwar, but Netanyahu delayed the decision, asking for more analysis. The attack on 7 October 2023 saw Hamas launch a devastating assault, killing nearly 1,200 Israelis and capturing hundreds. In response, Israel launched a massive military offensive in Gaza, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. Netanyahu’s office has categorically denied the allegations, calling them "an absolute lie." It claimed that Netanyahu had no contact with bin Zayed or received any warning prior to the attack. The report, however, includes statements from multiple independent sources, including former intelligence officials and journalists, who corroborate the account. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the opposition party Yamina, has publicly supported the findings, stating with certainty that the warnings were real. He accused Netanyahu of leading Israel blindly into disaster, citing years of unchecked Hamas growth under his leadership. Similarly, former defense minister Gadi Eisenkot criticized Netanyahu for failing to act on the intelligence, suggesting that his strategy led Israel toward defeat. The report concludes with calls for accountability, with Bennett and others urging the formation of an independent commission to investigate the failure to prevent the attack. As the situation continues to evolve, the question of responsibility, and whether Netanyahu knowingly ignored critical warnings, remains a central point of contention.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 3 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

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3 reports

24ur (POP TV) logo24ur (POP TV)IndependentProgressiveFactual 80Objective 609/8/2026
The investigation revealed that Netanyahu knew that Hamas was planning an attack.

The investigation by Haaretz newspaper reveals that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was warned by Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of the UAE, about Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar planning a major operation. The warning, which described the planned attack as a 'earthquake' or 'surprise', was relayed through intermediaries connected to both Hamas and Israeli security agencies. Despite receiving these warnings, Netanyahu did not share them with his security services, including former head of Shin Bet Ronen Bar and former chief of staff Herzli Halevi. The report states that Israeli security officials were unaware of the warnings until they were passed directly to Netanyahu. Netanyahu's office has labeled the claims as 'completely false', denying any communication with bin Zayed. However, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett supports the report, stating he believes the warnings were genuine.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a failure of Israeli leadership to act on credible intelligence, implying potential negligence or complicity. It highlights the credibility of external warnings and criticizes Netanyahu's handling of security information, aligning more with critical perspectives.

Why factuality (80): This article also references the Haaretz investigation and corroborates the claim that Netanyahu was warned by bin Zayed but did not share the information with security agencies. It includes quotes from former officials like Ronen Bar and Herzli Halevi, supporting the core facts. However, it present

Why objectivity (60): The article has a more confrontational tone, particularly when quoting the Israeli office labeling the claims as 'complete lies.' This suggests a partisan stance, even though the factual elements are largely supported by external sources.

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicProgressiveFactual 78Objective 629/8/2026
Netanyahu was supposed to have been warned before October 7th, but he didn't notify the security services.

The article reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was allegedly warned by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in September 2023 about an impending attack by Hamas in Gaza, but did not inform Israel's security services. The warning came during multiple meetings between bin Zayed and Netanyahu, where bin Zayed expressed concerns over regional instability and the potential impact on the Abraham Accords. According to the report citing three high-level foreign sources, Netanyahu dismissed the warnings, claiming Hamas was planning operations on the West Bank rather than Gaza. Former Shin Bet director Ronen Bar and former military chief Herzl Halevi stated they were not informed of bin Zayed’s warnings. The report also mentions Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel similarly warned Netanyahu about Hamas' plans, which Netanyahu downplayed, focusing his attention on the West Bank. The article highlights the lack of coordination between Israeli leadership and external intelligence sources regarding the Hamas threat.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the situation as a failure of Israeli leadership to heed international warnings, implying negligence or misjudgment. It emphasizes the dismissal of external intelligence and focuses on the consequences of this perceived oversight, aligning more with critical perspectives of the以色列

Why factuality (78): The article continues the narrative from the previous ones, referencing the Haaretz report and confirming that Netanyahu was warned by bin Zayed but did not pass the information to security services. It includes statements from Israeli leaders like Isaac Herzog and mentions the involvement of Egypti

Why objectivity (62): The language used, such as 'emir je slutil, da je območje na robu eksplozije,' (the emir sensed the area was on the brink of explosion) implies a certain level of alarmism. The focus on Netanyahu’s alleged failure to act introduces a biased framing, even if the underlying facts are reported accurate

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 659/8/2026
Shocking revelation by an Israeli journalist that Netanyahu suppressed warnings of a Hamas attack

An investigation by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reveals that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was directly warned in late September 2023 by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed about planned attacks by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza. The warning came through a secure phone line and included concerns that the attack could lead to mass casualties, regional instability, and undermine Abraham Accords. Despite this, Netanyahu reportedly downplayed the threat, claiming Hamas would act only on the West Bank and assured Israel was prepared. Similar warnings were also received from Egypt’s intelligence chief, General Abbas Kamal, but Netanyahu again dismissed them. According to the report, Netanyahu did not share these warnings with top security officials, including the head of Shin Bet, Mossad, or the IDF Chief of Staff. The attack occurred on October 7th, resulting in widespread casualties and the capture of Israeli hostages. Netanyahu’s office has denied the findings, calling them a complete fabrication.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Netanyahu as having ignored critical warnings from foreign leaders and failed to prepare adequately, which implies criticism of his leadership and decision-making. It highlights potential negligence and lack of transparency, suggesting a failure in national security under his rule

Why factuality (75): The article reports on findings from an investigation by Haaretz, citing internal documents, recordings, and interviews with high-level officials. It mentions the call between Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, as well as statements from Hamas leader Sinwar through a secret intermediary. While

Why objectivity (65): The tone is somewhat sensational, using phrases like 'šokantno razkritje' (shocking revelation) and emphasizing the potential consequences of the attack. There is a clear narrative suggesting Netanyahu failed in his duty, which introduces bias despite the factual basis.

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