Netanyahu Warned of Qatari Funds Funding Hamas Military Wing

Since 2018, Qatar has provided substantial financial support to Gaza, amounting to millions of dollars monthly. This funding was publicly endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a strategy to avert a humanitarian crisis in the region. However, the implications of these funds have come under scrutiny following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of 251 hostages.

Times of Israel

Reports indicate that Netanyahu was warned at least twice prior to the October 7 attack that funds from Qatar were being misappropriated by Hamas's military chief, Muhammad Deif. The first warning came in mid-2019 from then-Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman, who informed Netanyahu that Qatari funds were being diverted to Hamas's military operations. A subsequent warning from the Israel Defense Forces’ Military Intelligence Directorate in 2020 corroborated Argaman's claims, suggesting that Deif was siphoning off $4 million monthly from these funds.

Times of Israel

Despite these warnings, Netanyahu reportedly responded with indifference, stating, “I’ve heard, we’ll continue the process,” according to Channel 12. Following the military intelligence assessment, a plan was devised to confront Qatar about the misuse of funds, but the Qatari emir denied any knowledge of the diversion.

Times of Israel

In response to the reports, Netanyahu's office denied ever receiving intelligence indicating that Qatari funds were being used for terrorist activities. They asserted that security agencies consistently determined that these funds were allocated for humanitarian purposes, such as fuel payments, support for needy families, and salaries for government workers. The prime minister’s office clarified that the $4 million figure referenced in the military intelligence warning pertained to Hamas diverting funds from its civilian budget sourced from other unidentified means, rather than from the Qatari stipend.

Times of Israel

Critics have raised concerns about Netanyahu's handling of the warnings regarding Qatari funding. Argaman, who has faced police interrogation following Netanyahu's accusations of blackmail, has publicly stated that the prime minister ignored critical intelligence about the potential misuse of funds. This has led to questions about the effectiveness of Israel's intelligence and security measures in preventing the October 7 attack.

Times of Israel

As the conflict continues, Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, is mediating ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The ongoing scrutiny of Qatari funding and its implications for regional security remains a significant issue in the aftermath of the recent violence.

Times of Israel

• “I’ve heard, we’ll continue the process,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

Times of Israel

• “No intelligence document has ever been placed on the prime minister’s desk determining that funds from the Qatari stipend were being transferred to terrorism,” — Netanyahu's Office

Times of Israel

• “On the contrary, security agencies consistently determined that the Qatari stipend funds were transferred directly to fuel [payments], needy families and and salaries for government workers,” — Netanyahu's Office

Times of Israel