Full Breakdown
Netanyahu’s Handling of the Alleged UAE Warning Before Oct. 7 2023
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly warned by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed that Hamas was planning a major attack. Five former senior Israeli officials say the warning never reached Israel’s security establishment, and Netanyahu denied receiving or acting on it. The issue has resurfaced as Israel heads toward a national election on October 27.
Background & Context
In late September 2023, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar hinted at an “earthquake” of violence. The United Arab Emirates’ intelligence service allegedly passed a similar alert to the Shin Bet, and President bin Zayed reportedly called Netanyahu to convey the threat. Israel’s intelligence community had already received a “Jericho Wall” plan in 2022, which it assessed as unlikely to be executed.
Timeline
- September 2023 – Emirati officials receive intelligence on a possible Hamas offensive.
- Late September 2023 – President bin Zayed reportedly phones Netanyahu (as claimed by two sources cited by *The New York Times*).
- October 1 2023 – Netanyahu convenes senior security chiefs; minutes show no mention of the Emirati warning (meeting minutes reviewed by *The Times*).
- October 7 2023 – Hamas launches the deadliest single-day attack on Israeli civilians since the Holocaust, killing about 1,200 people.
- September 8 2023 – The UAE Foreign Ministry issues a cautious statement, declining to confirm the call (JPost).
Data & Statistics
- 1,200 Israelis killed on Oct. 7 2023 (attributed claim).
- The alleged phone call lasted roughly 45 minutes (reported by *Haaretz* and cited by *The Times of Israel*).
Official Statements & Responses
- Netanyahu has repeatedly denied receiving a direct warning from the Emirati president and said any intelligence would have been routed through Israel’s established channels.
- The UAE Foreign Ministry stated that security matters are discussed through appropriate bodies, not at the level of heads of state, and declined to confirm the alleged call.
- Five former senior Israeli officials told *The Times* that the warning “never appeared” in internal investigations by the IDF, Shin Bet or other agencies.
Criticism & Opposition
Opponents, including victims’ families and political rivals, argue that Netanyahu’s refusal to disclose or act on the warning implicates his leadership in the Oct. 7 failure. Analysts note that the omission of the warning from the October 1 security meeting undermines claims that Israel was fully prepared for a Hamas assault.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Source of the warning: Some reports cite Emirati intelligence; others say the original source remains “unclear.”
- Presence in meeting minutes: *The Times* review shows no mention of the warning, while the UAE maintains the call occurred, and the Prime Minister’s Office says no such conversation took place.
- Internal investigations: Former officials say the warning is absent from investigations, but the full scope of what was examined remains undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Israel and America acted together not only to protect ourselves, but to save civilization,” — Benjamin Netanyahu
- “Israel didn’t commit genocide. Israel prevented genocide.” — Benjamin Netanyahu
These statements illustrate Netanyahu’s defensive narrative amid accusations that his government ignored critical intelligence before the Oct. 7 attack.