Israeli PM Netanyahu Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged UAE Warning Before October 7 Attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under fire from opposition leaders following a report by Haaretz newspaper alleging that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) warned him of a major Hamas operation before the October 7, 2023 attack. According to the report, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke with Netanyahu approximately a week and a half prior to the attack, conveying information about Hamas's plans. Netanyahu's office has vehemently denied the report, labeling it an 'absolute lie' and stating that no such conversation with the Emirati leader occurred at that time. Opposition figures, including former military commander Gadi Eisenkot and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, have seized on the report to criticize Netanyahu, accusing him of ignoring warnings and being unfit to lead. The Haaretz article, based on anonymous sources, also claims that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had previously warned a former Palestinian official of a 'terrifying operation,' which was then relayed to Emirati of...