Netanyahu Did Not Raise Reported UAE Warning at Oct. 1, 2023 Meeting, Minutes Show

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not mention an alleged Emirati warning of a possible Hamas attack when he met security chiefs on October 1, 2023, six days before the October 7 massacre, according to meeting minutes reviewed by reporters. Two people familiar with the matter said UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called Netanyahu in late September 2023; the vague warning did not specify a rocket attack or ground invasion. At the meeting, Netanyahu urged calm in Gaza and warned escalation could harm normalization efforts with Saudi Arabia. Five former senior officials said the warning never reached security chiefs. Netanyahu has repeatedly denied receiving any such warning.