Calls for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign have intensified among opposition leaders following allegations that he was forewarned about a Hamas operation by the United Arab Emirates. Reports suggest that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan communicated with Netanyahu approximately ten days before the October 7, 2023, attack, having been alerted that Hamas was planning a significant operation. Netanyahu’s office has firmly denied these claims, labeling the report as false and asserting that no such conversation occurred.
This controversy has fueled criticism directed at Netanyahu regarding security oversights related to the attack. Opposition figure Gadi Eisenkot accused the Prime Minister of disregarding repeated warnings, while ex-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that Netanyahu should accept direct responsibility and vacate his position. The report also mentions that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had previously characterized the impending operation as an “earthquake.” The initial warning reportedly reached UAE leadership through a former Palestinian official and an Emirati adviser.
The UAE and Israel established diplomatic ties in 2020 as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords, a move Netanyahu has touted as a significant foreign policy success. However, the recent allegations have cast a shadow over these achievements, raising questions about the Israeli government’s preparedness and response to threats.
The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people in southern Israel, with 251 individuals taken hostage, according to Israeli sources. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, where the Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed and extensive damage has been inflicted on the territory.