Alleged warnings put Netanyahu’s accountability back in election debate
Reports of advance warnings from UAE and Egyptian officials have revived scrutiny of what Netanyahu knew before the 7 October attacks. He denies receiving a warning; his challenger pledges an independent inquiry.
Reports that foreign officials warned Benjamin Netanyahu of a looming Hamas attack have renewed questions about his responsibility for the 7 October 2023 attacks, weeks before Israel’s 27 October legislative election.
Haaretz reported that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed called Netanyahu about 10 days before the attacks. Netanyahu’s office denies that any warning was given. Haaretz has stood by its reporting, which France 24 says The New York Times corroborated and expanded. Separate reports have alleged a warning from Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.
The allegations and what Netanyahu knew remain disputed. The UAE has not directly addressed the specific reports, saying only that relevant intelligence has been communicated to Israel when necessary. Netanyahu has blamed security officials and rejected calls for a state inquiry before the war ends.
The attacks killed 1,205 people and 251 were taken hostage, according to the report. Israel’s subsequent campaign in Gaza has killed at least 74,347 people, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and Netanyahu’s main challenger, has called the prime minister unfit to lead and pledged an independent inquiry if elected. France 24 cited polls showing Eisenkot’s bloc with 54 Knesset seats against 49 for Netanyahu’s coalition; the report provided no polling dates or methodology.
