UAE Responded to Reported Warning Call to Netanyahu

The government issued a statement following reports of a phone call made shortly before the October 7 attacks.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Terrorism

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a monolithic stone government building facade, evoking the gravity of international security policy.
The United Arab Emirates confirmed it maintains established security communication channels following reports of a September 2023 phone call with Israeli leadership. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should governments be required to disclose diplomatic warnings shared with other nations regarding security threats?

The United Arab Emirates government has addressed reports concerning a phone conversation between President Mohammed bin Zayed and Benjamin Netanyahu. The communication reportedly took place approximately ten days before the Hamas-led operation against Israel on October 7, 2023.

Why it matters

The disclosure of this high-level communication provides insight into the nature of regional security cooperation. It highlights the established channels through which the UAE coordinates sensitive matters with other nations.

The UAE government issued a formal response regarding the 45-minute call occurring 10 days prior to the October 7 operation. The investigation into the specific details of that conversation is not currently public.

The players

Mohammed bin Zayed

He is the President of the United Arab Emirates.

Benjamin Netanyahu

He is the Prime Minister of Israel.

The National

It is an English-language news organization based in Abu Dhabi that facilitated the government inquiry.

The details

The UAE government communicated its position through an inquiry from The National, stating that security matters are handled through appropriate entities in discussions with other countries. The 45-minute call on September 27, 2023, is now under public scrutiny regarding its potential link to a warning about the conflict.

Timeline

  1. September 27, 2023: Mohammed bin Zayed phoned Benjamin Netanyahu.

  2. October 7, 2023: Hamas launched a large-scale operation targeting Israel.

  3. September 19, 2026: The UAE addressed questions regarding the reported warning.

Legal Context

This inquiry follows the established precedent of the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, which fundamentally altered regional security protocols. The revelation underscores the complexities of diplomatic and intelligence coordination during the lead-up to the conflict.

The disclosure impacts international perception regarding regional cooperation and security transparency. It serves as a reminder to the public of the complex intelligence networks that operate between global powers during periods of heightened tension.

The takeaway

The UAE government maintains that its security engagements follow established protocols through relevant official channels. This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny of diplomatic communications in the years following major regional security crises.

Further reading

Explore more analysis regarding regional security in the Terrorism section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Middle East Eye.

Live Poll

Should governments be required to disclose diplomatic warnings shared with other nations regarding security threats?