In a secret letter dated 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu urged the Qatari government to maintain financial support to Gaza.
In the letter, Netanyahu explained that the funding would reduce the motivation of terror groups there to carry out attacks, would prevent a humanitarian crisis and was vital for preserving regional stability.
Qatari funding played a pivotal role in Hamas’s evolution from a marginal militant group to a formidable force, marked by extensive military infrastructure, including tunnels and substantial firepower. Initially, between 2007 and 2014, Qatar’s financial aid to Hamas operated independently of international oversight. Subsequently, from 2014 onwards, Qatar coordinated its assistance with the United States and Israel.
The 2014 conflict in Gaza marked a significant shift. Following the war, the U.S., UN, Israel, and Qatar collaborated to establish a structured aid system, with Doha committing $30 million monthly to Gaza. This allocation aimed to cover various essential needs, including fuel procurement, salary disbursements, and direct assistance to families in need.
This period witnessed a strategic recalibration in Israel, where the belief emerged that Hamas might moderate its stance towards Israel with increased governance and economic resources.
Before 2018, Qatari aid to Gaza lacked regularity, requiring approval from Israel and the Palestinian Authority for sporadic disbursements. Dr. Udi Levi, a former Mossad official, noted Israel’s strategic shift in handling Hamas’s financial sustenance. Levi highlighted Israel’s motive to maintain stability by diverting funds away from the Palestinian Authority to Hamas, albeit with reservations about Hamas’s fiduciary responsibility.
The Qatari government, however, harbored reservations about its involvement due to concerns over international repercussions. Levi underscored Qatar’s duplicity in supporting Hamas, juxtaposed with its efforts to evade associations with terrorism to safeguard its international standing.
In November 2018, then-Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman resigned, citing disagreement over Israel’s approach to Gaza. Liberman criticized the contradictory stance of curbing funds to the Palestinian Authority while enabling financial flows to Gaza. He questioned the efficacy of oversight mechanisms governing the allocation of funds.
Netanyahu recognized Qatar’s dilemma and sought to reassure them through an urgent letter, though Qatari officials sought additional assurances. The involvement of the United States, particularly then-Secretary of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin, provided the necessary validation to assuage Qatari concerns.
Despite Netanyahu’s engagement with Qatari officials, Levi lamented the lack of consultation with security experts regarding the implications of funding Hamas. He emphasized his objections to the policy, underscoring a departure from previous administrations’ practices.
Ultimately, the letters from Netanyahu and Mnuchin assuaged Qatari apprehensions, leading to the commencement of financial aid to Gaza. The first cash installment was delivered in November 2014.
{Matzav.com Israel}