Story perspectives

Netanyahu Ignored Warnings on Hamas Chief's Fund Misuse

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received warnings in 2019 and 2020 regarding Hamas military chief Muhammad Deif misusing Qatari funds for Gaza.
Reports from Hebrew media state that then-Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman and the IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate informed Netanyahu that Deif was diverting $4 million monthly.
Netanyahu's office denied these warnings, claiming no intelligence documents linked Qatari funds to terrorism, asserting the funds were for fuel, families, and salaries.
Scrutiny of these payments increased following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which caused significant casualties and hostages.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received warnings in 2019 and 2020 regarding Hamas military chief Muhammad Deif misusing Qatari funds for Gaza.
Reports from Hebrew media state that then-Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman and the IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate informed Netanyahu that Deif was diverting $4 million monthly.
Netanyahu's office denied these warnings, claiming no intelligence documents linked Qatari funds to terrorism, asserting the funds were for fuel, families, and salaries.
Scrutiny of these payments increased following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which caused significant casualties and hostages.