Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was personally alerted by the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about a planned large-scale Hamas offensive against Israel a week before the 7 October 2023 attack, according to a new book by Haaretz reporters. The book claims Mr Netanyahu did not act on this warning.
Mr Netanyahu has denounced the report as an “absolute lie” and denied speaking to the Emirati leader at that time. The allegations emerge amid a crucial election campaign in Israel.
According to the Haaretz report, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke to Mr Netanyahu a week and a half before the attack, informing him that Hamas was planning a major operation. The book, titled Hostages: 843 Days of Abandonment, states its authors based their claims on dozens of sources, including very senior officials.
Following the claims, Israeli opposition leaders have described Mr Netanyahu as “unfit” for office. Gadi Eisenkot, a former military commander and rival in upcoming October elections, accused Mr Netanyahu of ignoring dozens of warnings for 7 October. Naftali Bennett, a former prime minister, stated Mr Netanyahu “bears personal and direct responsibility” for the deaths on 7 October.
Hamas militants killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostages during the 7 October 2023 offensive. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has resulted in the deaths of more than 73,000 Palestinians and left most of Gaza in ruins.