Netanyahu to Sue Haaretz Over Claims of Pre-October 7 UAE Warning
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday his intention to sue Haaretz newspaper over a report alleging he received an advance warning from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) about a Hamas offensive before the October 7, 2023 attacks. Netanyahu characterized the report as "fabricated" and "false" in a statement posted on X. He confirmed he had instructed his legal team to initiate proceedings against Haaretz and its authors, Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yaval. The report, published on Tuesday, claimed UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) warned Netanyahu of a potential Hamas attack 10 days prior to October 7. According to Haaretz, the then-Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar relayed warnings to the UAE through an intermediary. Sinwar, angered by stalled prisoner exchange talks and Israel's continued blockade of Gaza, reportedly stated he was preparing a "huge surprise" and told contacts to inform Israel "to expect an earthquake." On Oct...