Story perspectives

Netanyahu Denies Bin Zayed Warning, Sues Haaretz

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 4:37 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Netanyahu denied that President Mohamed bin Zayed warned him of a Hamas attack before Oct. 7, 2023.
Haaretz reported bin Zayed called Netanyahu about ten days earlier, giving a 45-minute warning about Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Netanyahu’s office labeled the report an “absolute lie” and announced a defamation lawsuit against Haaretz.
Opposition leader Naftali Bennett demanded an immediate investigation.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Yom Kippur War, which began on 6 October 1973 and cost Israel about 2,800 soldiers, forced Golda Meir’s government into a parliamentary inquiry and defense reforms. Those reforms still shape Israel’s diplomatic caution, now evident as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects President Mohamed bin Zayed’s warning, prompting a defamation suit and opposition challenge from Naftali Bennett.

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Story summary

Netanyahu denied that President Mohamed bin Zayed warned him of a Hamas attack before Oct. 7, 2023.
Haaretz reported bin Zayed called Netanyahu about ten days earlier, giving a 45-minute warning about Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Netanyahu’s office labeled the report an “absolute lie” and announced a defamation lawsuit against Haaretz.
Opposition leader Naftali Bennett demanded an immediate investigation.

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