Netanyahu Faces Election Backlash Over Alleged 10-Day UAE Warning Before October 7 Attack
Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 8
Netanyahu Faces Election Backlash Over Alleged 10-Day UAE Warning Before October 7 Attack
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Sep 8
Summary
Four opposition leaders demanded an immediate investigation after a report said UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed warned Benjamin Netanyahu about a major Hamas operation roughly 10 days before October 7.
Haaretz, citing an upcoming book, said bin Zayed relayed Yahya Sinwar's threat during a 45-minute call and that Netanyahu responded calmly, saying Israel was prepared; Netanyahu's office called the account an absolute lie.
Naftali Bennett said the report was true and amounted to criminal negligence, while Yair Lapid said he, Egyptian officials and Israeli security chiefs had also warned of an attack before 1,200 people were killed and 250 abducted.
With October elections less than two months away, rivals are turning accountability for the attack into a central campaign issue, arguing Netanyahu has resisted an independent inquiry while security chiefs have resigned, been ousted or left office.