Joe Scarborough, co-host of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," and panelist Donny Deutsch engaged in a fiery on-air exchange Wednesday concerning a Haaretz report alleging that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was warned of a significant Hamas attack prior to the Oct. 7, 2023 events. Scarborough expressed frustration with Deutsch's focus on Hamas's responsibility, pressing him to discuss Netanyahu's alleged foreknowledge.
"Do I look stupid to you?" Scarborough asked Deutsch during the broadcast, emphasizing his desire to discuss the report and Netanyahu's role. Scarborough stated he had repeatedly identified Hamas as terrorists and questioned why the Haaretz report and Netanyahu's actions could not be discussed. Deutsch maintained he was not defending Netanyahu and that the specifics of the alleged warning were unknown.
"We ask questions about 9/11. Are you willing to ask questions about Netanyahu?" Scarborough challenged Deutsch. Deutsch responded that he was willing to ask and answer questions on the matter.
Scarborough later told The Post that such heated discussions are characteristic of his friendship with Deutsch, whom he has known for 20 years. Both are described as strong supporters of Israel. Scarborough clarified that their disagreement centered on whether to discuss the Haaretz report and Netanyahu's potential responsibility, stating Deutsch felt criticizing Netanyahu might detract from Hamas's culpability for the Oct. 7 attacks. Scarborough reiterated his stance that Hamas is a terrorist organization responsible for the violence.
Scarborough also voiced his opinion that Benjamin Netanyahu's continued leadership is not in Israel's best interest. The Haaretz report, published Monday, cited three senior foreign sources claiming that UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu in a phone call approximately a week and a half before Oct. 7 that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was preparing a major operation, referred to as a "zilzal," or "earthquake."
Netanyahu's office has categorically denied the report, calling it an "absolute lie." The Prime Minister's office stated that Netanyahu did not speak with the UAE president during the period in question and received no warning from him. Netanyahu asserted that call logs reviewed by his office, the National Security Council, and his military secretary showed no record of such a conversation between early September and Oct. 7, 2023. He has initiated legal proceedings for libel against Haaretz and its journalists, while the outlet maintains its reporting is accurate. The UAE's foreign ministry has not commented on specific conversations but confirmed ongoing direct communication between Emirati and Israeli officials since relations began.