Netanyahu Files Defamation Suit After Haaretz Says UAE Warned Him Before Oct. 7
The paper has refused to retract its report, a legal fight that raises fresh questions about who knew of pre‑attack warnings and could reshape the October election debate.
Overview
- Haaretz reported Tuesday that Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed phoned Benjamin Netanyahu about a planned Hamas operation roughly 10 days before the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and said the warning was not passed to Israel’s security chiefs.
- Netanyahu’s office denied the call and later instructed lawyers to file a defamation lawsuit that names Haaretz, its reporters and other unspecified parties and seeks damages.
- Haaretz formally rejected Netanyahu’s demands to remove the story, apologize, or pay one million shekels and said it will defend its investigation and sources in court.
- The UAE Foreign Ministry declined to confirm details of any phone call while stating that Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv maintain open channels and exchange intelligence when needed.
- The legal clash sharpens scrutiny of pre‑Oct. 7 intelligence, risks exposing office and military records in court, and is likely to intensify challenges to Netanyahu’s security record ahead of the October 2026 election.