An investigation published by Israeli newspaper Haaretz alleges that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received a direct warning about a potential major Hamas attack roughly 10 days before the group's 7 October 2023 assault, but did not pass the information on to Israel's security chiefs.
According to the report, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally warned Netanyahu that then-Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar was planning a large-scale operation against Israel.
Alleged warning from UAE leader
Haaretz, citing three senior foreign sources familiar with the conversation, reported that the discussion between the two leaders lasted about 45 minutes.
According to the newspaper, bin Zayed expressed concern that such an attack could lead to significant bloodshed and undermine the Abraham Accords.
The report said Netanyahu responded that he believed Hamas was primarily focused on the West Bank and assured the UAE leader that Israel was prepared for any scenario.
Claims security chiefs were not informed
A central allegation in the investigation is that Netanyahu did not subsequently relay the warning to senior Israeli security officials.
Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and former Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi told Haaretz they had not been informed of the alleged warning.
The newspaper also reported that around the same period, Abbas Kamel, head of Egypt's intelligence service, warned Netanyahu of what was described as "something unusual" and a potentially devastating Hamas operation.
According to the report, Netanyahu replied that the situation in Gaza was under control.
Haaretz said neither warning was mentioned during a later meeting on Gaza held on 1 October 2023, just six days before the Hamas attack.
Earlier intelligence signals
The investigation further claims the information initially originated from a Palestinian intermediary who maintained contacts with both Hamas and Israeli security officials.
According to the report, Sinwar allegedly communicated through that channel in September 2023 that he was preparing an "earthquake" and later referred to what he described as the "mother of all surprises".
Haaretz reported that the information reached Shin Bet on 15 September 2023, prompting Ronen Bar to brief Netanyahu.
Two days later, during a security assessment, Bar reportedly warned that Israel was "on a collision course", although no specific decisions were taken.
Prime minister's office rejects allegations
Netanyahu's office categorically rejected the claims, describing them as a "blatant lie".
"The prime minister did not speak with the UAE president during the period in question and received no warning from him," the office said.
Haaretz noted that bin Zayed did not respond to the newspaper's request for comment.
Political reaction
The report triggered immediate political debate in Israel.
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett said he knew "as a fact" that the information was accurate and accused Netanyahu of remaining committed to the belief that Hamas could be contained.
Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot said mounting evidence suggested Netanyahu had "led Israel blindly" into the failure surrounding the 7 October attack.
Eisenkot said his party would seek the establishment of a state commission of inquiry following the formation of Israel's next government.
