Report: Netanyahu Sought UAE Denial of Pre-Oct. 7 Hamas Warning

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed to deny reports that he had warned Netanyahu of a major Hamas attack shortly before Oct. 7, 2023, Haaretz reported, citing people familiar with a secret meeting between the leaders.

According to Haaretz, Netanyahu made the request during an hour-long meeting at an airport on Sunday and also sought what one source called “moral support.” The UAE Foreign Ministry declined to discuss the reported meeting, saying only that the country maintains open communication with Israel and shares relevant intelligence. Netanyahu’s office did not immediately comment on the meeting report.

Haaretz previously reported that bin Zayed called Netanyahu about a week and a half before the attack and warned that Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar was planning a major operation against Israel. The newspaper said Netanyahu responded that he believed Hamas intended to act in the West Bank and did not brief Israeli security chiefs about the conversation.

Netanyahu’s office has rejected that account as an “absolute lie,” saying he did not speak with bin Zayed during the period in question and received no warning from him. Haaretz said it stands by its reporting. The New York Times separately reported, citing two sources including a person who spoke directly with bin Zayed, that the Emirati leader warned Netanyahu of a major Hamas attack shortly before Oct. 7.