Netanyahu warned before Oct. 7, didn't brief security
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
UAE President bin Zayed warned Netanyahu 10 days before Oct. 7 of Hamas attack; Netanyahu didn't.
Haaretz report says Netanyahu's inaction may have cost lives; he denies, calls it 'absolute.
Background
The report, based on an investigation for a new book by Israeli journalists, claims that about ten days before the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed called Netanyahu and warned him that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a major operation. Netanyahu reportedly responded that he thought any action would be in the West Bank and that Israel was prepared. Despite the warning, he did not update the heads of Shin Bet, Mossad, or the army chief of staff. The report has sparked political backlash in Israel, with opposition leaders accusing Netanyahu of negligence.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2023UAE President bin Zayed called Netanyahu, warning of a major Hamas operation, but Netanyahu did not brief security chiefs.
- Oct 7, 2023Hamas-led attack on Israel killed more than 1,200 people.
- Sep 8, 2026Haaretz published an investigation revealing the warning and Netanyahu's alleged inaction, based on a new book.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Netanyahu denies the report, calling it 'an absolute lie'.
- Opposition
- Former PM Bennett says the report is true and amounts to 'criminal negligence'; Lapid says if Netanyahu had acted, the massacre could have been prevented.
- Public
- Israeli public and lawmakers demand answers on what Netanyahu knew and why he didn't act.
Still unverified
The report is based on sources and documents but has not been independently confirmed; Netanyahu denies it.