Netanyahu Reportedly Ignored UAE Warning of Hamas Attack

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly dismissed a direct warning from the president of the United Arab Emirates about an imminent Hamas attack in the days leading up to the October 7, 2023, massacre, according to new reports. The allegations, which surfaced in investigations citing a forthcoming book by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval, claim that UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke with Netanyahu for approximately 45 minutes in late September 2023. During this conversation, bin Zayed allegedly warned that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was preparing a major operation, described as a "zilzal," or earthquake, that could lead to extensive bloodshed and destabilize the region. According to the reports, Netanyahu allegedly reacted with relative calm, assuring bin Zayed that Israel was prepared for any scenario and suggesting that Hamas was more likely to act in the West Bank than launch a large-scale attack from Gaza. The reports further allege that Netanyahu failed to share this warning with his defense minister, military chief, or the heads of Israel's principal intelligence services, including the Shin Bet and Mossad.