Report: UAE warned Netanyahu of Hamas attack days before Oct. 7

A new report claims the United Arab Emirates personally warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a planned Hamas attack about ten days before the October 7, 2023 assault. Netanyahu denies the report, calling it false. The report has triggered sharp criticism from Israeli opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid, who accuse Netanyahu of inaction despite the alleged warning.

The report, published by Haaretz, has become a major political issue in Israel, with lawmakers from across the spectrum reacting to the claims. Bennett, who preceded Netanyahu in office, said he believes the report is true. The controversy centers on whether Netanyahu received and ignored specific intelligence about Hamas's plans in the days leading up to the deadliest attack in Israel's history.