Jerusalem – According to a report in the Israeli daily Haaretz, United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ten days before the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Bin Zayed allegedly told Netanyahu that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a large‑scale operation that could cause bloodshed, destabilize the region and threaten the Abraham Accords – the normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab and Muslim‑majority nations.
Netanyahu’s Reaction and Subsequent Claims
The newspaper says Netanyahu responded with “relative calm,” assuring the Emirati leader that Israel was prepared for any scenario and suggesting that a possible attack might come from the occupied West Bank rather than Gaza. However, Netanyahu’s office later called the report “an absolute lie,” stating that the prime minister did not speak with President bin Zayed during the period in question and received no warning.
Impact of the Oct. 7 Attack
The Oct. 7 assault resulted in the deaths of roughly 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of 251 hostages. Ongoing fighting in Gaza, as well as confrontations in Lebanon and Iran, has claimed the lives of hundreds of Israeli soldiers. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that Israel’s subsequent offensive has killed more than 73,650 Palestinians.
Political Fallout Ahead of Elections
Israel is scheduled to hold national elections next month, and the controversy surrounding the alleged warning has become a focal point of the campaign. Former top general Gadi Eisenkot, viewed as Netanyahu’s main rival, accused the prime minister of ignoring multiple warnings before the attack, writing on social media that “he is unfit.” Another rival, former prime minister Naftali Bennett, said Netanyahu bears personal and direct responsibility for the failure that led to the deaths of thousands of Israelis on his watch.
Responses from Officials
Netanyahu’s office declined to comment further on the specific allegation, and the UAE’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The report highlights the tension between Israel’s security establishment and its diplomatic partners as the nation approaches a pivotal election.
Broader Context
The alleged warning underscores the delicate balance of the Abraham Accords, which aim to foster cooperation and peace between Israel and several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates. Any perception that a partner warned Israel of an imminent threat but was dismissed could strain those relationships, especially as regional stability remains fragile.
As voters prepare to head to the polls, the narrative surrounding the Oct. 7 attack and the alleged forewarning will likely influence public opinion and the political calculus of candidates on both sides of the aisle.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
