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From tolerance to terror : Comments
By Josh Frydenberg, published 18/12/2025Bondi was not a random act of madness. It was the predictable outcome of years of official denial about radical Islamist ideology and the steady normalisation of anti-Semitism in Australia.
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Mechanism: Beginning in 2018, with the approval of the Israeli security cabinet led by Netanyahu, Qatar began sending millions of dollars in cash to Gaza monthly. Qatari officials, often escorted by Israeli intelligence officers, carried suitcases filled with cash (initially around $15 million, later up to $30 million per month) through the Rafah crossing.
Total Amounts: The total amount transferred over the years amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars. One source indicates a flow of approximately $35 million monthly for multiple years.
Stated Purpose: Netanyahu's stated justification was to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza by funding critical infrastructure like water and sewage systems, supporting the payment of civil servants, and providing aid to families in need.
Strategic Motivation: The policy was also part of a deliberate long-term strategy to bolster Hamas as a counterweight to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. By keeping the Palestinian leadership divided, Netanyahu aimed to thwart the establishment of a unified Palestinian state.
Criticism and Warnings: The policy faced significant criticism from some Israeli officials, including former spy chiefs and security advisors, who warned that the Qatari funds were being diverted to strengthen Hamas's military wing and build its capabilities, including the extensive tunnel network.
Aftermath: After the October 7, 2023, attacks, the funding policy came under intense scrutiny, with many Israelis and critics globally blaming it for enabling Hamas to grow into the formidable force that launched the assault. Netanyahu has denied that he intentionally strengthened Hamas, maintaining the money was for humanitarian purposes and that his government sought to degrade the group's military capabilities.
Netanyahu built up Hamas himself.