Netanyahu Sues Media Over Alleged Ignored October 7 Warnings
Benjamin Netanyahu filed a defamation lawsuit against Israeli media outlets after reports claimed he ignored high-level warnings of the October 7 Hamas attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has filed a defamation lawsuit seeking NIS 2.6 million against three media groups and six journalists, including Haaretz, Ynet News, and Channel 12. The legal action follows reports from Haaretz, the New York Times, and The Atlantic alleging that Netanyahu ignored secret warnings from United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel regarding an imminent Hamas operation.
Reports further claim Netanyahu withheld these warnings from security officials to protect a potential diplomatic deal with Saudi Arabia. Former defense minister Yoav Gallant added that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had warned Israel he would "shake the prisons." In response, Netanyahu dismissed the claims as "an absolute lie," stating that official Prime Minister's Office records show no such contact occurred. He argues the reports were published for political and commercial gain during an election campaign.
As Israel prepares for parliamentary elections, opposition leaders have described Netanyahu as "unfit" for office. Additionally, former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar announced plans to sue the Prime Minister for defamation, claiming Netanyahu ignored his own warnings of a disaster.
