The United Arab Emirates reportedly warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about an impending Hamas attack days before the October 7, 2023 assault, according to multiple outlets including NDTV and Haaretz.
The warning came from UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed, who reportedly told Netanyahu that Hamas was planning a major operation. Netanyahu dismissed the information and did not brief his security chiefs, according to Haaretz, as cited by The Times of India and The Times of Israel.
The reports, which emerged on September 8, 2026, suggest that the UAE had specific intelligence about Hamas intentions that was not acted upon. The Times of Israel states that Netanyahu "did nothing with the info," while Haaretz reports he failed to pass the warning to his top security officials.
The October 7 attack resulted in a large-scale incursion into Israel, triggering a prolonged conflict in Gaza. The new reporting raises questions about what Israeli leadership knew in advance and why the warning was not escalated.
NDTV, ThePrint, and other outlets have all highlighted the same core claim: that a senior Gulf leader provided a direct, personal warning to Netanyahu that was ignored. The reports do not specify the exact nature of the intelligence or the channel through which it was delivered.
Haaretz’s investigation appears to be the primary source, with other outlets citing its findings. The full details of the conversation between Netanyahu and the UAE leader have not been released.
What to watch next: Whether Israeli officials respond to these reports and whether any formal inquiry examines why the warning was not acted upon.
