How the Money Pipeline Between Jerusalem, Doha and Gaza Was Built

An N12 investigation reveals how Israel, under three different governments, became the main enabler of the cash machine that fueled Hamas. From the secret meeting at the Élysée Palace in 2011, through late-night meetings on yachts at sea, to suitcases that passed through Jordan under Mossad auspices.

A comprehensive N12 investigation reveals how Israel, under three different governments, became the main enabler of the cash machine that fueled Hamas. The investigation begins with the secret meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris in 2011 between Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Qatari Prime Minister, Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, where the first deal was struck: goods for quiet. It then describes late-night meetings on yachts at sea and suitcases of dollars that passed into the Strip under Mossad auspices. The article quotes former senior Shin Bet and military officials who warned that at least 40% of the Qatari money flows directly to Hamas's military wing, and that Netanyahu rejected recommendations to transfer the money through the Palestinian Authority or in shekels. The investigation describes how the Qataris, through envoy Mohammed al-Emadi, became regulars in Israel, and how Netanyahu forbade the Shin Bet from searching al-Emadi's car so as "not to embarrass him."