Netanyahu flew to UAE to ask MBZ to deny giving him pre-Oct. 7 warning of Hamas attack

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1. 1h ago

   Netanyahu Asks UAE Leader to Deny Pre-Oct. 7 Warning

   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Abu Dhabi for a secret weekend trip to meet with Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. According to sources, Netanyahu traveled to ask the Emirati leader, commonly known as MBZ, to deny reports that he gave Israel a pre-October 7 warning about an impending Hamas assault. Both Israeli and Emirati sides confirmed the Sunday meeting, which also included discussions on bolstering bilateral ties. Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Morocco reportedly attended the discussions as well.

   Why it matters

   The secretive trip comes amid disputed reports concerning intelligence warnings delivered to Israel before the October 7 Hamas attacks, including claims that Egypt and other regional actors signaled an impending major assault. The Prime Minister's Office has rejected claims that Netanyahu received advance warnings. Meanwhile, Israel's Shin Bet announced it is pursuing legal action over a local television report regarding the Abu Dhabi trip, claiming the broadcast endangered the lives of the prime minister and the Israeli delegation.

   What is confirmed

   • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Abu Dhabi on Sunday to meet with Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
   • Both Israeli and Emirati sides confirmed the Sunday meeting took place.
   • Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Morocco attended the meeting between Netanyahu and MBZ.
   • Shin Bet announced legal action against a Channel 12 report regarding the prime minister's delegation, claiming it endangered lives.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Netanyahu flew to the UAE specifically to ask MBZ to deny giving him a pre-October 7 warning of a Hamas attack.
   • Netanyahu met with Saddam Haftar, the son of eastern Libya's strongman, during his visit to the UAE.

   What to watch next

   • Any official statements from Emirati leadership addressing the alleged pre-October 7 intelligence warning.
   • Developments in the legal action pursued by Shin Bet against the media report on the delegation.
   • Potential fallout regarding regional diplomatic ties involving Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Morocco following the disclosed meeting.
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. Reuters — Israel's Netanyahu visited Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Israeli official says
   2. WSJ — Egypt Warned Netanyahu of Impending Attack on Israel Before Oct. 7
   3. CNN — Israel’s Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE on Sunday, source says
   4. AP News — Netanyahu meets Emirati leader in a secret weekend trip to Abu Dhabi, and other Mideast developments
   5. The Times of Israel — Netanyahu flew to UAE to ask MBZ to deny giving him pre-Oct. 7 warning of Hamas attack – sources
   6. The Times of Israel — UAE confirms yesterday’s meeting between Netanyahu, Emirati president MBZ
   7. Al Jazeera — UAE confirms Israel PM Netanyahu’s visit to Abu Dhabi
   8. The New York Times — Netanyahu Visits Emirati Leader After Reports on Warning About Hamas Attack
   9. jpost.com — Shin Bet claims Channel 12 report endangered lives of PM, Israeli delegation, pursues legal action
   10. Bloomberg.com — Netanyahu, MBZ Discuss Ways to Bolster Ties During Visit to UAE
   11. Yahoo — Netanyahu met with UAE president on Sunday, both sides confirm
   12. i24NEWS — Netanyahu–Mohammed bin Zayed meeting: Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Morocco attend
   confidence 95%