Netanyahu rivals call him unfit
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The gist
Israeli opposition leaders called Netanyahu unfit after a report said UAE warned him of Hamas attack. The report is denied by Netanyahu's office and unconfirmed.
Background
The controversy stems from a Haaretz report claiming that in late September 2023, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed warned Netanyahu in a 45-minute phone call about a planned Hamas attack. Netanyahu's office denied the report, calling it an 'absolute lie,' and said no warning was given. The report surfaced just weeks before Israel's national elections scheduled for late October, intensifying political pressure on Netanyahu.
How it unfolded
- late September 2023Haaretz reports that Netanyahu had a 45-minute phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, who warned of a Hamas plan to attack Israel.
- Oct 7, 2023Hamas attacks Israel, killing 1,221 people and taking 251 hostages, according to AFP tally.
- Sep 8, 2026Haaretz publishes the report; Netanyahu's office denies it. Opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, call Netanyahu unfit and demand an independent inquiry.
Who’s saying what
- Opposition
- Gadi Eisenkot wrote on X: 'Netanyahu received dozens of warnings for October 7 and ignored them all. He is unfit.'
- Netanyahu's office
- Denied the report, saying 'No warning was given to the Prime Minister from the United Arab Emirates.'
- UAE Foreign Ministry
- Stated it does not comment on 'media stories or speculation' but affirmed 'open and direct lines of communication' with Israel.
Still unverified
The Haaretz report is unconfirmed by The New York Times and denied by Netanyahu's office. Claims that former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi were never informed of the warning are also unverified.