Haaretz reports UAE's MBZ warned Netanyahu of Hamas plan 10 days before Oct 7

September 8, 2026 at 02:53 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Haaretz reported that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a major Hamas operation roughly 10 days before the October 7, 2023 attack. Netanyahu's office denied the report, and Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said the military was not informed of any such warning.

Key Facts

Haaretz based its report on three senior foreign sources, dozens of interviews, audio recordings, internal documents, and correspondence.
The alleged call between MBZ and Netanyahu lasted about 45 minutes and took place from the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi.
Haaretz reported that Netanyahu did not raise the warning in subsequent security meetings, including one on October 1.
Israeli Prime Minister's Office categorically denied Haaretz's claims.

The Alleged Warning

Haaretz reported that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a week and a half before the October 7, 2023 attack. The call, which lasted approximately 45 minutes, was made from the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi. MBZ allegedly warned Netanyahu that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was preparing a major operation against Israel. The UAE leader expressed concern that an attack could cause heavy casualties, destabilize the region, and jeopardize the Abraham Accords.

Netanyahu's Response

According to Haaretz, Netanyahu told MBZ that he believed Hamas was mainly planning to act in the West Bank and that Israel was prepared for any scenario. The report claimed Netanyahu did not mention the warning in later security meetings, including a meeting on October 1 about Gaza and Hamas. Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi told Haaretz that the military was not informed of the alleged warning from the UAE leader.

Other Warnings and Denial

Haaretz also reported that Egypt's then-intelligence chief Abbas Kamel warned Netanyahu around the same time that Hamas was preparing an 'unusual and terrible operation'. The report said Netanyahu responded that the situation in Gaza was under control and that Israel was focusing its attention and military buildup on the West Bank. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office categorically denied Haaretz's claims.