UAE President Warned Netanyahu of Hamas Attack Weeks Before Oct. 7

ABU DHABI — United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed issued a direct warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding an impending military operation by Hamas approximately 10 days before the group launched its devastating assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. The disclosure marks a significant development in understanding the diplomatic and intelligence landscape preceding the conflict that reshaped the Middle East.

The warning was delivered through high-level diplomatic channels between Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem during a period of intensified regional cooperation following the normalization agreements known as the Abraham Accords. President bin Zayed conveyed specific concerns about Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's preparations for a large-scale incursion into southern Israel. The communication took place roughly in late September 2023, placing the alert just over a week before the coordinated attacks that resulted in significant loss of life and the capture of hostages.

Israeli officials have long maintained that their intelligence apparatus failed to anticipate the scale and timing of the October 7 assault. The revelation that the UAE leadership possessed actionable intelligence regarding the threat raises questions about the extent of information sharing between the two nations at the time. While the UAE has been a key partner in regional security initiatives, the specific details of this warning and the subsequent Israeli response remain subjects of intense scrutiny.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the attack from Gaza, has not publicly addressed the specific nature of the intelligence leak or the diplomatic exchanges that occurred prior to the operation. The group's leadership has consistently denied any prior knowledge of the attack being compromised before its execution. The timing of the warning suggests a window of opportunity for Israel to bolster defenses in the southern regions bordering the Gaza Strip, though the effectiveness of such measures remains unclear.

The relationship between the UAE and Israel has been characterized by strategic alignment on security matters, yet this incident highlights potential friction points in intelligence coordination. Analysts note that the warning underscores the complex web of regional alliances and the challenges inherent in preventing asymmetric threats from non-state actors. The disclosure also comes as global powers seek to understand how such a catastrophic event could occur despite existing diplomatic frameworks.

As investigations into the October 7 events continue, the precise content of President bin Zayed's message to Prime Minister Netanyahu has not been fully detailed by either government. It remains unclear whether the warning included specific operational details or broader assessments of Hamas capabilities. The lack of public clarification leaves open questions regarding why the intelligence did not result in a preemptive defense strategy that could have mitigated the impact of the attack.

The situation continues to evolve as regional leaders navigate the aftermath of the conflict and reassess security protocols. The revelation serves as a critical data point for future diplomatic engagements between Arab states and Israel, emphasizing the high stakes involved in intelligence sharing and the urgent need for coordinated responses to emerging threats in the region.