Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s alleged ties with Qatar have come under scrutiny. Qatar, known for hosting Hamas leadership, has acted as a mediator in truce negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian militant group. Recent reports allege that Israel and its leaders received substantial funds from Qatar, purportedly intended for administering Gaza, but critics argue that some of this money ultimately supported Hamas.
The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) has released what it claims are leaked letters linking financial offers to Netanyahu and his government, predating the October 7 Hamas attack that escalated the conflict. This revelation is part of a broader investigation into what is being called Project Raven.
What is Project Raven?
Project Raven is described by international media as an extensive cyber warfare and information campaign executed on behalf of Arab nations like the UAE and Qatar. This operation targeted activists, journalists, and government entities across several countries. According to MEMRI, Qatar’s involvement in Project Raven aimed to influence regional policy, allegedly working to topple secular regimes in Libya and Mali and bolster Islamist terrorist organizations and movements.
The documents related to Project Raven, as presented by MEMRI, suggest Qatari interference in countries such as France, South Africa, Lebanon, and Israel through significant financial grants to government elements, political activists, human rights organizations, and sports figures. Notably, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni were previously mentioned in connection with these leaked documents.
Allegations Against Netanyahu
The new material released does not conclusively prove that Prime Minister Netanyahu accepted money from Qatar. However, the leaked letters indicate that funds were offered to him and his party. Specifically, MEMRI reports that Qatar allegedly offered $15 million in 2012 and $50 million in 2018 to Netanyahu, intended for the Likud party, with the stipulation that these funds were to be provided in cash.
While MEMRI has published the text of these leaked letters, it emphasizes that the documents alone do not constitute definitive proof that Netanyahu received the money. MEMRI states, “The veracity of this claim can only be ascertained by a criminal investigation that will either confirm or refute it.”
Israeli Leaders and Qatari Aid
In a related development, earlier this year, the Times of Israel reported that top Israeli officials sought and appreciated financial support from Qatar to stabilize the humanitarian situation in Gaza. This aid was reportedly sent to Gaza in the years and months leading up to Hamas’ October 7 attack.
Among those expressing gratitude to Qatar was former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, who, in a 2020 letter to Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, thanked the Arab nation for its humanitarian aid to Gaza. Cohen wrote, “This aid has undoubtedly played a fundamental role in achieving the continued improvement of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and ensuring stability and security in the region.”
Despite these acknowledgments, the Israeli government has faced criticism for accepting Qatari aid for Gaza, with detractors arguing that it indirectly supported Hamas. Netanyahu has largely remained silent on the specifics of Qatari funds sent to Israel or their amounts
