Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that he intends to sue the Haaretz newspaper and its reporters over a story alleging that the United Arab Emirates had warned him of Hamas's plans for an offensive days before the October 7, 2023 attacks. Netanyahu vehemently denied the report, calling it "fabricated" and "false."

The Haaretz report, published on Tuesday, claimed that UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed had communicated a warning to Netanyahu about a potential Hamas attack approximately 10 days prior to the events of October 7. The report stated that the UAE president, also known as MBZ, spoke to Netanyahu by phone, relaying intelligence about a possible threat from then-Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

According to the Haaretz article, Sinwar was reportedly angered by stalled prisoner exchange talks and the ongoing blockade of Gaza. Through an intermediary, he allegedly conveyed messages to the UAE, including phrases like "huge surprise" and "expect an earthquake," which were interpreted by MBZ and his aides as indications of an impending large-scale attack. This intelligence was reportedly passed to Israel's Shin Bet agency, but was ultimately dismissed as a threat.

The report further suggested that MBZ directly raised the warning with Netanyahu, who also reportedly disregarded it. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Tuesday indicating that the government does not comment on media stories or speculation concerning conversations between government leaders, declining to confirm or deny the allegations.

This legal action comes at a critical juncture for Netanyahu, as he seeks to solidify his position ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections in October. Recent polls have shown Netanyahu trailing, facing a significant challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu has characterized the Haaretz report as "politically motivated" and part of a "left's election campaign."

The October 7 attacks saw Palestinian fighters kill at least 1,195 people in southern Israel and take approximately 251 individuals captive. These events triggered Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in a significant number of Palestinian casualties.

Netanyahu's decision to pursue legal action against Haaretz underscores the sensitive nature of the reporting and the ongoing political tensions surrounding the events of October 7 and their aftermath. The lawsuit is directed at both the newspaper and the specific authors of the report, Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yaval.

The situation highlights the intense scrutiny and political blame surrounding the intelligence failures leading up to the Hamas attacks. The alleged warning from the UAE, if true, would add another layer to the complex narrative of events and the accountability questions facing Israeli leadership.