Trump: ‘Can’t imagine’ Netanyahu ignored warnings ahead of Oct. 7

US President Donald Trump cast doubt on reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored warnings from the United Arab Emirates and Egypt ahead of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, saying he “can’t imagine” that it’s true. Asked by Time magazine in an interview filmed on September 28 and published Thursday about the warnings Netanyahu allegedly received, Trump claimed it was the first he heard about it. “I can’t imagine this,” Trump insisted. “I don’t think so. You know, I think if he would have known, he would have done something about it. Certainly, he would have had people at least alert.” “You know, he’s not going to forget about it,” Trump continued, referring to the Hamas-led invasion from Gaza. “That was a terrible day.” The remarks were trumpeted by Netanyahu, who published a statement saying “Trump is right” on his social media accounts. Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition by email and never miss our top stories Newsletter email address Get it By signing up, you agree to the terms Netanyahu has been facing growing controversy over the reports that he was warned by Arab leaders of an impending attack in the days and weeks leading up to the October 7 attack, the deadliest in Israel’s history. The controversy has been heightened by Netanyahu’s refusal to explicitly accept personal responsibility for the attack — blaming the failures on security officials — or to to establish a state commission of inquiry, instead calling for a politically controlled probe of the Hamas attack and its aftermath. A Palestinian stands on an Israeli tank at the border fence near the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip after some 3,000 Hamas terrorists burst through the border and entered Israel, slaughtering some 1,200 people, October 7, 2023. (Yousef Mohammed/Flash90) Despite coming to Netanyahu’s defense, Trump once again refused to endorse him ahead of the October 27 election. “I can only say that I’m not involved in politics anymore,” the US president said in response to being asked by Time if Israelis should give Netanyahu another term. Advertisement Pressed whether he could work with former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s chief political rival, Trump said he does not “hear bad things about him.” “People have written off Bibi many, many times, just like they’ve written off me many, many times. I wouldn’t underestimate Bibi,” the US president added, using Netanyahu’s nickname. Trump also patted himself on the back for his administration’s close ties with Israel, saying, “I’ve done a lot for them. Done a lot. I’ve done a real lot.” “My primary thing — I do want to help them defend Israel,” he said. “My thing that I mention all the time is Iran cannot have a nuclear power because they are crazy and you can’t let crazy people have nuclear weapons.” Help us report truthfully on social media As a multimedia journalist, my job is to take the quality, fact-based journalism produced by The Times of Israel newsroom and make it accessible across every platform — from Instagram posts to podcasts to short-form videos. This is how many, especially young people, consume news these days. But misinformation is rampant on social media. Our team at ToI produces accurate, responsible short-form reporting on Israel and the Jewish world. If you believe in the importance of factual social media journalism , please consider joining our reader support group, The Times of Israel Community. Your financial support is essential to sustain responsible multimedia reporting. — Gabriella Jacobs, multimedia journalist Support our work Support our work Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this You're a dedicated reader We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month. That’s why we started the Times of Israel - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world. So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community. For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE , as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members. Thank you, David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel Join Our Community Join Our Community Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this Most Popular 1 Copilot subdued after stabbing pilot in alleged attempt to crash plane full of Israelis 2 Op-ed Unprecedented: Extraordinary heroism and near-miraculous circumstances avert an airplane catastrophe 3 Safely home Hailing pilot and three Israeli heroes, passengers say midair ‘miracles’ thwarted alleged attempt to crash plane 4 ‘Immense courage and resolve’: Pilot feted for crucial role in saving the lives of all aboard flydubai 1073 5 Conspiracy theories about flydubai attack spread across social media, reports find 6 Passengers laud ‘heroism’ of Israelis who subdued flydubai flight attacker, as videos show moments of fear 7 More heavy hitters in US Jewish establishment joining J Street in sign of changing times 8 Analysis ‘It’s bad’: In a polarized Israel, the likeliest election result is more uncertainty read more: Israel Inside Donald Trump Benjamin Netanyahu October 7 Hamas atrocities 2026 Israeli election If you’d like to comment, join The Times of Israel Community. JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY Already a member? Log in here close popup Sign in or Join The Times of Israel Community Sign in or Register Paying ToI Community members are invited to comment on articles Email address * Please use the following structure: [email protected] Continue Or Continue with By joining you agree to the terms and conditions Send me The Times of Israel Daily Edition back close popup Register to continue Email address * Change REGISTER Or Continue with back close popup Log in to continue Email address * Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.. Continue back close popup Sign in or Join The Times of Israel Community Sign in or Register You are currently registered. Please join The Times of Israel Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits Only ToI Community members can comment below articles Email address * Password * Incorrect password. Please try again or choose an option below. Forgot your password? / Send me a login link Continue Sign in without joining Or Continue with close popup Check your email We sent an email to you at . It has a link that will sign you in. Click the link in that email to complete registration so you can comment. back close popup Join The Times of Israel Community Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits. Email address * Please use the following structure: [email protected] JOIN NOW! close popup Thank you! Now check your email You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.