Part 2/10:
This covert approach was undergirded by the belief that a steady cash flow would incentivize Hamas to prioritize governance over military aggression, thus preserving peace. However, recent intelligence assessments suggest that this strategy inadvertently contributed to the October 7th attack on Israel, which was one of the deadliest assaults in recent history.
Critics have condemned the policy, viewing it as a form of appeasement or bribery that undermined Israel’s security. Netanyahu's government, which had focused largely on regional threats like Iran and Hezbollah, apparently underestimated Hamas's military capabilities and intentions, which were masked by a disinformation campaign aimed at creating a false sense of peace.