In brief
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will sue Ha ãrtz after reporters claim the United Arab Emirates warned him about the deadly Hamas attack on 7 Oct. The claim, based on phone‑call excerpts, says the UAE’s president warned Netanyahu of an imminent “earthquake” attack by Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar. Netanyahu’s office insists the story is false and labels it a sinister plot, while Ha ãrtz refuses to back down, citing the importance of free journalism. The dispute comes just as Israel’s election campaign heats up, with polls taking a close look at Netanyahu’s leadership during the conflict. The legal fight will likely keep headlines focused on accountability and the role of the press right before the October referendum.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s long‑time prime minister, has shocked the media world by saying he will take legal action against the newspaper Ha ãrtz after the paper said the UAE warned him about the deadly Hamas attack on 7 October.
According to the story, the UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan gave Netanyahu a secret phone call in September, warning him that Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar was ready for a massive attack. The report said the UAE official described it as an “earthquake” that would destabilise the region. Netanyahu’s office insists the story is made up and calls it a sinister plot to silence him.
Ha ãrtz has defied the prime minister’s claim, saying the investigation was thorough and that free‑speech is vital for democracy.
The allegations have landed at a critical time: Israel’s 2026 general election is approaching and polls see voters debating Netanyahu’s leadership during the war. Four opposition leaders have already demanded a full inquiry into the events on 7 October.
The legal dispute will stay in the headlines until the looming October referendum, where Israelis will decide whether Netanyahu stays in power. Whether the lawsuit will clear the allegations or keep the controversy alive remains to be seen.
