Report: Israel Facilitated Billions in Qatari Funds to Gaza

A report by American magazine TIME, based on previously unpublished documents and correspondence, reveals Israel's direct involvement in facilitating nearly $2 billion in Qatari funds to the Gaza Strip over more than a decade. According to the investigation, successive Israeli governments, including those led by Benjamin Netanyahu, not only approved these transfers but also encouraged them, helped establish distribution mechanisms, and worked to maintain the funding arrangements even while publicly criticizing Qatar for allegedly funding Hamas.

Intelligence documents and testimonies obtained by TIME suggest that Netanyahu was warned as early as 2019 by the Shin Bet, military intelligence, and Egyptian officials that Qatari money was being used for Hamas's military buildup. The report details a secret funding channel from Qatar directly to Hamas, which allegedly financed about half of the military wing's budget, with Netanyahu's knowledge. Despite explicit warnings and strong opposition from then-Shin Bet chiefs Nadav Argaman and Ronen Bar, Netanyahu reportedly continued this policy.

A significant document revealed is a letter from December 2020 from then-Mossad chief Yossi Cohen to the Emir of Qatar, Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani. In the letter, Cohen expressed gratitude for Qatar's humanitarian aid to Gaza, stating it played a crucial role in improving the humanitarian situation and ensuring stability and security. This was written after Netanyahu had already been alerted to the funds' diversion for military purposes.

The report, which draws on official documents, correspondence, and interviews with senior Israeli, American, and diplomatic officials, indicates Israel's role was more extensive than publicly acknowledged. While the Prime Minister's Office declined to comment, a former Israeli security official described the policy as a well-intentioned mistake that multiple prime ministers continued, with Netanyahu at its center.

Qatar began transferring funds to Gaza in 2007, but Israel's direct involvement began under Netanyahu in 2012. Initially, Israel helped manage mechanisms for distributing food and medical supplies, verifying eligibility for financial aid, and expanding electricity supply through Qatari funding. By 2018, approximately $1.1 billion had been transferred. The arrangements evolved into a trilateral mechanism involving Israel, Qatar, and the UN for fuel and electricity supplies, as well as monthly stipends to needy families, with Israel vetting recipient lists and overseeing distribution.

Even after Naftali Bennett replaced Netanyahu as prime minister in 2021, the funding arrangements continued, albeit without cash-filled suitcases. A representative from the Israeli government reportedly assured a US envoy that there was no intention to fundamentally change the arrangement. The report highlights that both Israel and Hamas held leverage over the aid, potentially using it for pressure, while residents remained dependent.

Two weeks before the October 7th attack, then-Mossad chief David Barnea traveled to Doha to request a renewal of the funding, which Qatar agreed to, but stated it would be the last extension. The Israeli rationale was that continued civilian aid would give Hamas something to lose, allowing for pressure and a reassessment of the organization's behavior. However, the Hamas attack occurred shortly after, collapsing the arrangement.

The report does not prove the Qatari funds directly financed the attack but raises questions about whether the continuous flow of money helped solidify Hamas's rule, enabling it to divert other resources to military buildup. Qatar maintains all aid was for civilians and coordinated with Israeli authorities, placing responsibility on Israel if any funds reached Hamas. Netanyahu has previously denied claims of strengthening Hamas to weaken the Palestinian Authority, explaining the aid was to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and maintain a functioning civilian government in Gaza.