UAE Warned Netanyahu Before October 7, Report Says; Security Chiefs Weren’t Told

An investigation alleges that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed telephoned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for 45 minutes in late September 2023 and warned that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was preparing a major operation that could cause bloodshed. The report says Netanyahu replied that Hamas was likely focused on the West Bank and that Israel was prepared. Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and former IDF chief Herzi Halevi reportedly said they were not told about the call. The Prime Minister’s Office called the account “an absolute lie” and denied that either the call or warning occurred.