Netanyahu received warning days before October 7 – Haaretz

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was personally alerted that Hamas could be preparing a major attack roughly ten days before the October 7, 2023 assault but failed to pass the warning to senior Israeli security officials, according to a report by Haaretz.

The Israeli newspaper reported that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed contacted Netanyahu directly and warned that then-Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a significant operation capable of causing substantial bloodshed and regional instability.

According to the report, Netanyahu played down the warning, indicating that he expected any Hamas operation to be directed towards the West Bank and believed Israel was adequately prepared.

Netanyahu’s office has categorically rejected the allegation, describing the report as an “absolute lie” and denying that the purported telephone conversation occurred.

The claims have renewed questions about intelligence available to Israeli authorities before October 7 and whether a series of warning signs received sufficient attention.

Haaretz previously reported that Sinwar had communicated through Palestinian intermediaries that he was preparing an “earthquake.” The reported warning ultimately reached Israel’s Shin Bet domestic security agency, whose then-director Ronen Bar subsequently briefed Netanyahu. Egyptian intelligence was also reported to have issued a warning shortly before the attack.

Israeli intelligence had additionally obtained a Hamas operational document known as “Jericho Wall,” which described plans for fighters to cross the Gaza border, attack Israeli military positions and seize hostages. The New York Times subsequently reported that elements of the document closely matched the operation carried out on October 7. Debate has continued within Israel over whether intelligence officials regarded the plan as a realistic and imminent threat.

Netanyahu’s government has also faced scrutiny over its previous policy of permitting Qatari money to enter Hamas-controlled Gaza. Critics have argued that the arrangement helped strengthen Hamas before Israel subsequently launched its military campaign against the organisation.

Separate controversy has surrounded the Israeli military’s response during the October 7 assault, including questions over whether procedures associated with the so-called Hannibal Directive contributed to Israeli casualties as forces attempted to prevent people from being taken into Gaza.

Approximately 1,200 people were killed during the attack and 251 were taken hostage. The subsequent Israeli military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 73,600 Palestinians, according to figures reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry.