Netanyahu Ignored Warnings, Aided Hamas Rise, Critics Claim

An investigative report by Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval alleges that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was warned via the UAE in September 2023 about an impending large-scale attack by Hamas, led by Yahya Sinwar, but ignored the intelligence. This alleged inaction follows a pattern of Netanyahu and his supporters using the "I wasn't woken up" defense for the October 7th attacks, while critics argue he deliberately ignored mounting evidence.

The article contends that Netanyahu's policies actively facilitated Hamas's rise and continued control of Gaza, primarily to prevent the strengthening of the Palestinian Authority. A key policy cited is Netanyahu's decision, starting in 2018, to allow Qatari cash transfers totaling $360 million annually to Gaza. Despite security warnings that these funds were reaching Hamas's military wing and being used for tunnels and rockets, Netanyahu reportedly continued the program.

Further warnings were allegedly presented to Netanyahu from January 2023 onwards, indicating a potential war. The article links this to Israel's internal political division, particularly the judicial overhaul, which it suggests created an impression of weakness for Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. Netanyahu reportedly dismissed these warnings as exaggerated.

Even as the Shin Bet, under Ronen Bar, issued specific warnings in August, September, and as late as October 1, 2023, about Yahya Sinwar's aggressive posture and the need for action, including assassinations, Netanyahu allegedly ignored them. The article claims he continued allowing Qatari money transfers and the entry of Gazan workers into Israel.

Eldar and Yuval's report suggests that even after receiving the specific warning from the UAE, Netanyahu was aware of it but allegedly chose to withhold its full details from security agencies. The author concludes that Israel's failure was primarily political and strategic, arguing that Netanyahu, who fostered Hamas's rule and provided it with financial aid, should not remain in office, especially as military and intelligence officials involved have resigned. Netanyahu, however, reportedly continues to maintain he was unaware of the full extent of the threat.