Netanyahu was warned of 7 October Hamas attacks, book claims

On September 8‑10, 2026, a newly released book claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received advance warnings about the Hamas assault on October 7. According to the Times of Israel, the book says a United Arab Emirates leader warned Netanyahu days before the attack, while Egyptian officials reportedly told Israel that Hamas intended to “make the ground in Gaza tremble.” The allegation ties multiple regional alerts to the surprise offensive that ignited the current war.

Haaretz responded on September 10, stating it will not hesitate to expose the truth in court, signaling a willingness to defend its reporting. Netanyahu announced he will sue Haaretz over the claim that an UAE leader warned him, as reported by the Times of Israel. Al Jazeera published a piece describing Netanyahu as having overseen a genocide while portraying himself as a victim in his own narrative. The coverage across Haaretz, Al Jazeera, and the Times of Israel underscores legal, political, and moral dimensions of the controversy.

The October 7 Hamas offensive marked a major escalation in the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict, leading to extensive military operations in Gaza. Intelligence sharing between Israel and neighboring Arab states, such as Egypt’s security coordination and the UAE’s diplomatic outreach, has historically formed part of regional security frameworks. The book’s allegation that these warnings were ignored feeds into ongoing debates about Israel’s preparedness and the accountability of its leadership for the ensuing humanitarian crisis.

Observers will watch whether Netanyahu proceeds with the announced lawsuit against Haaretz and how Israeli courts address the dispute over the alleged warnings. Further statements from UAE and Egyptian officials may emerge, potentially clarifying the extent of any pre‑attack intelligence. International media outlets are likely to continue probing the claims, and any judicial findings could shape public perception of responsibility for the October 7 events.