Netanyahu Faces New Political Heat Over Alleged UAE Warning

On Tuesday, a wave of criticism crashed over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s head after a French‑based newspaper, Haaretz, published an excerpt from a soon‑to‑be‑released book. The passage says that United Arab Emirates President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called Netanyahu roughly ten days before the Oct. 7 Hamas onslaught and hinted that a big operation was in the works.

According to the report, the Emirati leader warned Israel that Hamas was gearing up for something “major.” The alleged conversation, if true, would mean that a key regional ally tried to sound the alarm well before the rockets flew from Gaza.

Opposition figures seized on the story instantly. Leaders from across the political spectrum, from centrist Yesh Atid to left‑wing Labor, proclaimed that Netanyahu was “unfit to serve” and called for an immediate inquiry. Their anger isn’t just about the alleged warning; it’s also tied to months of criticism over how the government handled the crisis after the attacks.

Netanyahu’s office has so far declined to comment on the specifics of the Haaretz piece, saying only that Israel maintains a “robust intelligence network” and that any alleged warning would have been taken seriously. The prime minister’s supporters, meanwhile, argue that the report is being weaponised by political rivals to destabilise a fragile coalition.

The episode adds another layer to an already volatile political landscape in Jerusalem. With elections looming and public trust at a low point, the alleged UAE warning could become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over Israel’s security policies and its diplomatic ties with Arab neighbours.