Netanyahu ‘Was Warned Ahead of October 7 but Failed to Act’

Benjamin Netanyahu received a direct warning that Hamas was planning a major attack in the run-up to 7 October 2023 but failed to act, an Israeli newspaper has alleged.

The investigation, published by Haaretz on Tuesday, claims that UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed told the Israeli prime minister by phone that the armed group was “preparing for a major event”.

Netanyahu did not tell intelligence and military leaders about the conversation, according to the report, which cites unnamed senior foreign sources and a close adviser to bin Zayed who was present on the call.

Israeli intelligence officials were, however, made aware of Hamas’ plans for an attack, according to the investigation: then-Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar warned Israel himself via an intermediary.

Netanyahu’s office called the claim an “absolute lie” and denied that he had a call with the Emirati leader around that time or received any warning. The office of bin Zayed did not respond to a request for comment from Haaretz.

After growing frustrated with stalled negotiations aimed at lifting Israel’s illegal blockade on Gaza, Sinwar reportedly told the mediator to “convey a message” to the Israeli side. He said: “I am preparing the mother of all surprises. A terrifying operation. Something extraordinary.”

On 15 September, both the mediator and bin Zayed’s advisor relayed the message to Shin Bet, Israel’s internal intelligence service, the report alleges. Ex-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and ex-IDF chief of staff Herzl Halevi said they were not informed of a warning from the president of the UAE.

An anonymous intelligence official quoted by Haaretz speculated that Sinwar sent the warning to “pressure” Israel into reaching a deal, or else as a tactic to assess the readiness of the Israel Defense Forces.

It has previously been reported that Egyptian officials warned Israel just days before 7 October that “something catastrophic” was about to happen.

In the wake of the attacks, Haaretz reports, Hamas was willing to unconditionally release all civilian captives, or at least all those below the age of 18 and over 50. Further offers followed, but Netanyahu’s government refused to engage, sources said.