Israel-Hamas Funding: Liberman Warns of Pre-Oct 7 Policy

Avigdor Liberman, chairman of the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party, visited the Kerem Shalom crossing on Wednesday and issued a stark warning that Israel is reverting to the security policies that led to the October 7 massacre. Kerem Shalom is the main commercial crossing point between Israel and Gaza.

In remarks to the press, Liberman sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of imposing political restrictions on the Israel Defense Forces under American pressure to end the war. "Everything we see behind us is a return to October 7, 2023," Liberman stated. "This is a complete return to the same concept and the same containment policy."

Liberman at Kerem Shalom crossing (Uncredited)

Liberman detailed what he described as financial flows benefiting Hamas. "Every truck that enters, 20 percent of the cargo value goes into Hamas's pocket," he claimed. "Together with Netanyahu's agreement to transfer $400 million into the Gaza Strip to so-called suppliers, 40 percent of that goes to Hamas's military wing. In other words, $400 million will now enter to various suppliers, and $160 million will return in cash to Hamas's military wing. This is exactly the same path that brought us to the October 7 massacre."

He added that all the trucks pay taxes to Hamas and are coordinated with the organization, and that Israeli suppliers are forced to purchase goods only from specific locations, primarily in Turkey, which he said also serves as a money-laundering mechanism for Hamas. "This is simply complete [moral] bankruptcy," he declared.

Liberman concluded by pointing to what he called evidence of diminished Israeli sovereignty. "The American military base being built here proves that Netanyahu has given up independence in security decision-making," he said. "Israel currently cannot move a pin without coordinating it with the United States. We weren't in such a situation even before October 7. This government has no right to exist."