Story perspectives

Netanyahu Ignored Qatar-Hamas Funding Warnings, Opposition Calls Inquiry

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 8:01 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored intelligence warnings that Qatari money funded Hamas's military wing.
Israeli intelligence identified a covert “Panther’s Eye” channel moving over $100 million to Hamas.
Hamas diverted about $4 million monthly, 40-50% of its $70-100 million budget.
Opposition leaders Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan called for a state commission of inquiry.

History

Historical Context

Following Hamas’s January 2006 legislative victory, Israel halted customs revenues, and Qatar emerged as its main donor, sending over $1.8 billion to the group, including $30 million monthly reported in 2023. Israel later permitted those funds to transit its checkpoints. Now Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects opposition calls, led by figures such as Naftali Bennett, for a commission of inquiry.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored intelligence warnings that Qatari money funded Hamas's military wing.
Israeli intelligence identified a covert “Panther’s Eye” channel moving over $100 million to Hamas.
Hamas diverted about $4 million monthly, 40-50% of its $70-100 million budget.
Opposition leaders Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan called for a state commission of inquiry.

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