Netanyahu Denies Emirati Warning Before Oct. 7 Attack, Haaretz Stands By Report

An investigative report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, published on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, claims that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) directly warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Hamas's plan for a major operation against Israel days before the October 7, 2023 attack. Netanyahu has vehemently denied the report, stating no such conversation occurred, and has announced his intention to sue the newspaper for libel.

Haaretz's report, based on "dozens of Israeli and foreign sources as well as recordings, internal documents and correspondence," alleges that MBZ called Netanyahu "10 days" or "a week and a half" before October 7, 2023. During the 45-minute phone conversation, MBZ reportedly warned Netanyahu that then-Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a "major operation" or "major action" against Israel and urged him to take the threat seriously. According to Haaretz, Netanyahu dismissed the warning, believing Hamas intended to act in the occupied West Bank, and "failed to alert Israeli security chiefs."

How has Netanyahu responded to the report?

Prime Minister Netanyahu has explicitly denied the Haaretz report, stating that no conversation took place between him and President Mohammed bin Zayed during the specified period. His office, the National Security Council, and the Military Secretariat reportedly found no record of such a call. On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Netanyahu announced he would sue the Haaretz daily and reporter Shlomi Eldar for libel. He is demanding the article's removal, a public apology, a retraction, and 1 million shekels (approximately $260,000 USD) in settlement, with a lawsuit seeking over 2.5 million shekels (approximately $650,000 USD) if these demands are not met. Netanyahu also called for a criminal probe into the journalists involved, with his Likud party accusing Haaretz and opposition politician Yair Golan of "blatant foreign interference in Israel's elections."

What does the Haaretz report claim?

The Haaretz investigation details that MBZ reportedly urged Netanyahu to view the threat seriously. Netanyahu, according to the report, assured MBZ that Israel was prepared for any scenario but believed the threat was related to the West Bank. A senior Shin Bet official cited by Haaretz stated that knowledge of these warnings "could have changed our entire assessment picture." An Emirati source "familiar with the conversation" reportedly confirmed the Haaretz report to The Times of Israel on September 8, 2026. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, reportedly friendly with MBZ, also stated the Haaretz report was "true," though he did not offer details on how he knew this.

What prior warnings were reportedly received?

The alleged warning from the UAE president comes amidst other reported intelligence regarding Hamas's plans before October 7. In September 2023, a Palestinian intermediary reportedly conveyed a message from Sinwar about a "huge surprise" and an "earthquake," which was passed to the Shin Bet. The New York Times reported in December 2023 that Israel's military had been aware of a 40-page Hamas battle plan, code-named "Jericho Wall," detailing a hypothetical attack more than a year before Oct. 7. This plan "uncannily mirrored" the actual attack but was reportedly dismissed as "aspirational" by Israeli officials. Separate reports also suggest Egypt shared intelligence that Hamas wanted to "make the ground in Gaza tremble."

What are the political implications?

This story emerges during a "crucial election campaign" in Israel, with national legislative elections scheduled for October 27, 2026. Opposition politician and former Israeli army chief Gadi Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of ignoring repeated warnings, stating, "Netanyahu received dozens of warnings ahead of Oct. 7 and ignored them all. He is unfit." Opposition leaders have called for "an immediate and thorough investigation" into Netanyahu's alleged failures. Netanyahu has characterized the Haaretz report as a "malicious libel with clear political timing, as part of the left's election campaign."

What happens next?

Haaretz has publicly stated it stands by its reporting in the face of Netanyahu's denial and legal threats. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has urged Netanyahu to drop his legal action, emphasizing that "using criminal lawsuits to intimidate journalists and obstruct their reporting constitutes an attack on press freedom and the public's right to know." The UAE government has not confirmed or denied the specific phone call, stating only that it maintains "open and direct lines of communication" with Israel since establishing normal ties five years ago. The impending legal battle and political fallout are expected to continue fueling debate as the October 27, 2026, election approaches.

This is educational information, not legal, financial, tax, or investment advice.