Full Breakdown
Netanyahu Faces Backlash Over Alleged UAE Warning Ahead of Oct. 7 Attack
9/9/2026, 1:27:10 AM
Core Event
A Haaretz investigation, based on the forthcoming book *Hostages: 843 Days of Abandonment*, alleges that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about 10 days before the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas assault and warned that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a major operation. Netanyahu’s office rejected the claim as “an absolute lie,” saying he did not speak with the Emirati leader and received no warning.
Background & Context
The alleged warning joins other intelligence alerts preceding Oct. 7. Sinwar reportedly described the planned assault as an “earthquake” to a Palestinian intermediary in mid-September, a message passed to Shin Bet on Sept. 15. Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel also warned Netanyahu of “something unusual, a terrifying operation.” The Oct. 7 attack killed roughly 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, sparking a war that has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians in Gaza.
Data & Statistics
- Israeli civilian deaths on Oct. 7: about 1,200.
- Hostages taken: 251.
- Palestinian deaths in the Gaza war: over 73,000.
Official Statements & Responses
- Prime Minister’s Office: Denied the report, stating “Prime Minister Netanyahu didn’t speak to the president of the UAE during the period in question and received no warning.”
- Joint opposition statement (Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan, Avigdor Lieberman): Called for an “immediate and thorough investigation” into what Netanyahu knew, when he knew it, and why he did not inform the security establishment.
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition leaders say the alleged warning highlights ignored intelligence. Bennett called the disregard “criminal negligence” and said Netanyahu bears “personal and direct responsibility” for the deaths. Golan accused Netanyahu of “endangering Israel” and dismissed the “they-didn’t-wake-me-up” narrative.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Haaretz claims a 45-minute call from MBZ warning Netanyahu, citing recordings and senior sources.
- Netanyahu’s office says no such call occurred, calling the story a “total lie.”
- Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and former IDF chief Herzi Halevi say they were never informed of any UAE warning, indicating a gap between the alleged warning and the security establishment’s knowledge.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Netanyahu cannot continue to serve in his position for even one more minute,” — Naftali Bennett
- “Netanyahu received dozens of warnings for 7 October and ignored them all. He is unfit,” — Gadi Eisenkot
- “The emir explained that, in his assessment, Sinwar was preparing for a major event,” — MBZ’s statement
- “If this report is true, it's hard to say why he wouldn't pass that on, other than that he didn't think it was credible.” — Eylon Levy, government spokesperson
What’s Next
The Israeli election on Oct. 27 will likely feature the warning controversy, with opposition parties promising an independent commission of inquiry if they assume power. Netanyahu has so far rejected calls for an official government inquiry, maintaining that no warning was received.
