UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reportedly cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about an impending major operation by Hamas just days before the October 7 attack. This information was revealed in a recent report from Israeli media.
UAE President Warned Netanyahu of Hamas Threat Prior to Attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly dismissed a warning from UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed about a potential Hamas operation, as reported by Haaretz, which cited three senior foreign sources familiar with their conversation. This exchange occurred approximately ten days before the recent attack.
Bin Zayed cautioned Netanyahu that Hamas was planning a significant operation that could lead to extensive bloodshed, destabilize the region, and jeopardize the Abraham Accords. The information relayed to the UAE president was reportedly sourced through a Palestinian intermediary with connections to both Hamas and Israeli security officials.
In September 2023, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had communicated, via an intermediary, his preparations for what he termed a ‘zilzal,’ or earthquake, later describing the planned assault as ‘the mother of all surprises’ and ‘a terrifying operation.’
Netanyahu’s Response to Allegations of UAE Communication
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly maintained a composed demeanor after receiving a warning regarding Hamas’s potential activities in the West Bank. He assured the President of the United Arab Emirates that Israel was prepared to address any possible developments. However, a statement from Netanyahu’s office refuted claims of communication with the UAE president, declaring, “An absolute lie! Prime Minister Netanyahu did not speak with the president of the United Arab Emirates during the period in question and did not receive any warning from him.” This denial raises questions about the accuracy of the initial report on the alleged warning.
