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// DOSSIER — netanyahu-secret-backchannel-talks-hamas-2014-gaza-war
Reports Reveal Netanyahu Held Secret Backchannel Talks with Hamas During 2014 Gaza War
REL_TIME: 29 Aug 2026 15:43Z · LANG: EN
Reports from Israeli media outlets Walla and Ma'ariv reveal that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted secret, direct negotiations with senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad during the 2014 Gaza war. Facilitated by Netanyahu's business associate Shlomi Fogel with messages drafted by then-National Security Advisor Yossi Cohen, these talks occurred without the knowledge of Israel's security establishment or the official delegation negotiating a ceasefire in Cairo. While the Prime Minister's Office and Fogel have vehemently denied the allegations as 'fake news,' opposition leaders have seized on the report to accuse Netanyahu of compromising national security and employing 'divide and conquer' tactics.
// Background
The 2014 Gaza war, known as Operation Protective Edge, was officially negotiated through Egyptian mediation. The revelation of a secret backchannel aligns with long-standing criticisms of Netanyahu's 'divide-and-conquer' strategy, which aimed to keep Palestinian leadership fractured between Gaza and the West Bank. This strategy historically included Israel-approved Qatari cash transfers to Gaza totaling hundreds of millions of dollars between 2018 and 2021, which businessman Shlomi Fogel was also reportedly involved in coordinating.
// Key Developments
- Israeli media reports that PM Benjamin Netanyahu held direct backchannel talks with Hamas's Ghazi Hamad during the 2014 Gaza war.
- The secret channel was reportedly run by businessman Shlomi Fogel, with messages drafted by then-National Security Advisor Yossi Cohen.
- Israel's security establishment and the official ceasefire delegation in Cairo were kept entirely in the dark about the communications.
- The Prime Minister's Office and Shlomi Fogel have strongly denied the reports, labeling them as false political briefings.
- Opposition figures, including Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Liberman, and Naftali Bennett, have launched fierce criticisms against Netanyahu's security leadership.
// Timeline
-
Operation Protective Edge takes place; Netanyahu reportedly conducts secret backchannel talks with Hamas's Ghazi Hamad via Shlomi Fogel parallel to official Cairo negotiations.
-
Shlomi Fogel admits in a Globes interview to having discussions with Hamas officials to pursue peace despite knowing their hostile intentions.
-
Hundreds of millions of dollars in Qatari cash are delivered by hand to Gaza with Israeli approval to ease economic tensions.
-
Israel targets a Hamas meeting in Doha, Qatar, which Ghazi Hamad attended.
-
Ghazi Hamad participates in a Hamas delegation negotiating a ceasefire and hostage release.
-
Walla and Ma'ariv publish reports exposing the 2014 secret backchannel, prompting fierce political backlash and official denials.
// Perspectives
[Prime Minister's Office & Shlomi Fogel]
Deny the reports entirely, characterizing them as false, politically motivated briefings and fake news.
[Gadi Eisenkot & Naftali Bennett]
Condemn Netanyahu's actions as evidence of failed security management, lack of transparency, and a 'divide and conquer' strategy that compromises Israel's safety.
[Avigdor Liberman]
Accuses Netanyahu of being a direct danger to national security, pointing to his history of facilitating Qatari cash transfers and communicating with Hamas leadership.
[Former Security Establishment Officials]
Expressed deep astonishment and dismay that Netanyahu bypassed his own appointed military and intelligence chiefs to run a private backchannel during active hostilities.
// Quotes
“These are false briefings by political elements trying to harm the prime minister.”
“every day, the explanation for why Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting for his life to thwart the establishment of a state committee of inquiry… becomes clearer.”
“Netanyahu is the one who initiated the transfer of suitcases full of dollars to Hamas and personally offered immunity to terror leaders... Netanyahu is a danger to Israel's security.”
“I was never dispatched by the prime minister or the head of the National Security Council to hold talks with Ghazi Hamad or any other Hamas officials. This is completely fake news.”
