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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a planned libel lawsuit against Israeli newspaper Haaretz over a report claiming the UAE president warned him of an impending attack before October 7. Netanyahu’s office categorically denied the story, stating it was ‘completely fabricated’ with ‘clear political timing’.

According to the PMO, an examination of call logs and entry records to the Prime Minister’s office found no trace of any communication or meeting with a UAE representative from the start of September 2023 until the October 7 attack. Netanyahu claimed such encrypted telephone conversations with the UAE president would be documented.

The lawsuit targets the newspaper, reporter Shlomi Eldar, and other parties involved in the report. Haaretz journalist Eldar responded by standing by the story, stating ‘the conversation took place’. The announcement came one day after Haaretz’s initial report.

This dispute centres on intelligence assessments regarding foreknowledge of the October 7 attack and Israel’s diplomatic relationships during a critical period leading up to the assault.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post