Netanyahu sues newspaper over claim he was warned of Hamas attack
Netanyahu denies he was warned about the October 7 attack and is suing Haaretz.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu got a warning from UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed 10 days before the October 7 attack. The warning said Hamas was about to attack.
According to Haaretz, bin Zayed said the attack would lead to bloodshed and harm the region. Netanyahu reportedly told the Emirati leader that Israel was ready.
He said any attack was more likely from the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu rejected the report as an absolute lie.
He denied any call with bin Zayed in September or early October 2023. Netanyahu's lawyers have written to Haaretz threatening a libel suit.
The newspaper stands by its reporting. The UAE's Foreign Ministry said it would not comment on alleged conversations between leaders.
- 10 days before October 7, 2023
- Days before attack
- UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed
- Warning source
- Absolute lie
- Netanyahu's response
- Libel suit threatened
- Legal action
Why it mattersNetanyahu's handling of pre-attack warnings is a central issue in Israel's October election campaign. Opponents are using it to question his fitness for office.
AustraliaNo direct Australian impact, though the Israeli election outcome could affect Middle Eastern security and Australia's regional diplomatic relationships.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 19 h ago
