Netanyahu Accused of Knowingly Funding Hamas Despite Warnings

An investigative report published by Yedioth Ahronoth on September 18 alleges that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was repeatedly warned since 2019 that Qatari funds were being diverted to Hamas's military wing. These warnings reportedly came from Israel's Shin Bet security agency, military intelligence (AMAN), and Egyptian officials. The investigation claims that beyond humanitarian aid funds, a direct secret channel existed for Qatari financing of Hamas. According to the report, these funds, with Netanyahu's knowledge, constituted about half of the military wing's budget. The authors assert that Netanyahu ignored this information and continued to permit the transfer of funds for years.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that Netanyahu not only "bought silence with money" but also refused to eliminate Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar at least 11 times. Bennett called the investigation further proof that Netanyahu is trying to hide his personal responsibility for the October 7th attacks. He vowed that a future government would establish a state commission to investigate and hold those responsible accountable, adding that Netanyahu continues to pursue the same policies by giving control of Gaza to Qatar and Turkey, allowing supplies to reach terrorists, and enabling Hamas to recruit and train for future attacks.

Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman echoed these sentiments, stating he resigned over Netanyahu's decision to allow Qatari money into Gaza, warning of catastrophe. He claimed that both AMAN and Shin Bet warned Netanyahu about the funds going to Hamas's military wing, but the Prime Minister knowingly continued the transfers. Lieberman promised a state commission of inquiry in a future government to punish those responsible.

Yair Golan of the Democratic Party asserted that any investigation would conclude Netanyahu acted as a Hamas financier, prioritizing this policy despite knowing it endangered Israeli security. He characterized the upcoming elections as a choice between Netanyahu's alleged lies and his connection to Qatari funds that led to the "biggest massacre in Israel's history." Golan claimed Netanyahu ignored direct intelligence that funds were going to Hamas's military wing, enabling the group to arm, build tunnels, acquire weapons, and prepare for the attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages.

The Prime Minister's Office vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "recycled lies" previously refuted. They stated that all security leaders supported Qatari payments for civilian and humanitarian needs to maintain quiet in Gaza. The PMO added that Netanyahu ordered the cessation of Qatari payments at the start of Operation Guardian of the Walls, while the Bennett-Lapid government resumed them. They also claimed Netanyahu consistently supported offensive actions in Gaza and never restricted the security establishment.