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// DOSSIER — controversy-alleged-warning-netanyahu-uae-president
Controversy Erupts Over Alleged Pre-Oct. 7 Warning to Netanyahu by UAE President
REL_TIME: 09 Sep 2026 13:12Z · LANG: EN
A major political storm has erupted in Israel following a Haaretz report alleging that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed explicitly warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of an impending major Hamas operation ten days before the October 7, 2023 attacks. According to the report, Netanyahu dismissed the warning, claiming Hamas was focused on the West Bank, and failed to brief Israel's security chiefs. Netanyahu and his office have vehemently denied the allegation, calling it an absolute lie and a political smear. The revelation comes just seven weeks before the October 27, 2026 national elections, intensifying demands from opposition leaders for an independent state commission of inquiry, which Netanyahu has consistently resisted.
// Background
The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack was the worst security failure in Israel's history, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. In its aftermath, Netanyahu has resisted calls for an independent state commission of inquiry—whose members are appointed by the Supreme Court president—proposing instead a politically balanced commission. This resistance is set against a backdrop of years of judicial reform efforts by Netanyahu's government aimed at weakening the Supreme Court.
// Key Developments
- Haaretz report alleges UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed warned Netanyahu of a major Hamas operation 10 days before October 7.
- Netanyahu reportedly dismissed the warning, asserting Israel was prepared and that Gaza was stable compared to the West Bank.
- The Prime Minister did not share the warning with the heads of the IDF, Shin Bet, or Mossad.
- Netanyahu's office completely denied the report, calling it an absolute lie and threatening to sue Haaretz.
- Opposition leaders, including Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot, declared the report true and called Netanyahu unfit for office.
- The controversy intensifies the debate over establishing an independent state commission of inquiry ahead of the October 27, 2026 elections.
// Timeline
-
A warning of an approaching 'earthquake' from Yahya Sinwar reaches the Shin Bet, prompting high-level security discussions.
-
UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed reportedly warns Netanyahu during a 45-minute call that Hamas is planning a major operation.
-
Hamas launches a devastating multi-pronged attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
-
Haaretz publishes the investigation detailing the UAE warning as political parties submit candidate lists for the upcoming election.
-
Scheduled date for the Israeli national elections, where the October 7 failures serve as a central campaign issue.
// Perspectives
[Benjamin Netanyahu and Supporters]
Completely deny the warning took place, labeling the report a politically motivated lie designed to influence the upcoming election, while deflecting blame for October 7 failures onto the security establishment.
[Israeli Opposition Leaders]
Accept the report as true, accuse Netanyahu of criminal negligence and being unfit for office, and demand the immediate establishment of an independent state commission of inquiry.
[Victims' Families]
Express deep devastation and anger, believing their relatives would still be alive if Netanyahu had acted on the warning instead of clinging to power.
[UAE Foreign Ministry]
Decline to comment on specific leader conversations but confirm that direct communication lines and intelligence sharing remain active and open.
// Quotes
“There was no such warning... I think this is another effort to distort the truth ahead of elections.”
“The report published this morning that Netanyahu was warned 10 days before the October 7 massacre about Sinwar’s intentions is true.”
“You knew, you ignored it, you failed and you are guilty.”
“It’s like a knife in the stomach... My father and mother could have been alive.”
