Jerusalem: Four Israeli opposition leaders have called for a state commission of inquiry following a report that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly ignored an explicit warning regarding Hamas plans prior to the events of October 7, 2023. The leaders, Gadi Eisenkot, Naftali Bennett, Avigdor Lieberman, and Yair Golan, issued a joint statement demanding transparency about Netanyahu's knowledge and actions concerning the situation.
According to Anadolu Agency, the joint statement was released in response to a report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. It claimed that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had warned Netanyahu approximately ten days before October 7 about a major operation planned by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The statement from the opposition leaders emphasized the need for an immediate investigation to understand what transpired before, during, and after the events.
The statement accused Netanyahu of ignoring serious warnings and spreading false conspiracy theories while failing to inform Israel's security chiefs about the potential threat. The opposition leaders criticized Netanyahu for "extreme negligence" and insisted that the Israeli public deserves to know the details of his awareness and actions. They pledged to establish a state commission of inquiry if they form the next government, to investigate the alleged failures leading up to the events.
Haaretz reported that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed concerns to Netanyahu in a 45-minute conversation, warning that the planned operation could result in bloodshed and regional destabilization. However, Netanyahu's office has dismissed the report as false, denying any conversation with the UAE president or receipt of such a warning.
Following the events of October 7, the Israeli army launched an offensive on Gaza on October 8, leading to significant casualties and destruction in the territory. The reported lack of communication and action by Netanyahu has led opposition leaders to question his suitability to continue in office. They have pledged to work towards preventing further disasters and ensuring accountability for the events surrounding October 7.