Is Israel to Blame for Creating Hamas?: The Role of Mossad and Zionism

The question of whether Israel created Hamas is a complex one that has long been debated by scholars, policymakers, and the public. While there is no single definitive answer, historical evidence suggests that Israel played a significant role in the early formation and funding of Hamas. This article explores the evidence and context behind this claim, examining the involvement of Mossad and the strategic motivations behind fostering such a group.

Historical Context and Early Formation

Hamas, an Islamist militant organization, was established during the Intifada in the late 1980s as a resistance movement against the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Its roots can be traced back to the Muslim Brotherhood, a global-Islamist movement with a strong presence in the Middle East.

Role of Mossad

The involvement of Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, in the creation of Hamas is well-documented. Several key figures and events highlight this role:

Mossad funded and mentored Hamas chiefs in the early stages of the organization's development. Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, a crippled, half-blind Islamic cleric, was notably supported by Mossad as Hamas was being formed. Israel tolerated and even encouraged Hamas as a counterweight to the secular Palestinian rivals, particularly the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Yasser Arafat's Fatah.

Strategic Motivations

Israel's motivations for supporting Hamas were strategic and multi-faceted:

Islamizing the Conflict: By supporting Hamas, Israel aimed to frame the conflict as part of the global war on terror, aligning it with Western interests. Counterbalancing PLO: Mossad sought to weaken the secular PLO by nurturing Hamas as a competing force within Palestine. Demonization of Palestinians: By promoting a militant, extremist image of Hamas, Israel could justify more aggressive actions and demonize the Palestinian population.

Evidence and Testimonies

Several testimonies and reports support the notion that Israel created Hamas:

Tunisian-born Jewish Scholar Mr. Cohen: After two decades of work in Gaza, Mr. Cohen observed Hamas take shape, displacing secular Palestinian rivals and eventually becoming a militant group. He stated, "Hamas to my great regret is Israel’s creation."

Cooperation with Sheikh Ahmed Yassin: Even as Yassin laid the foundations for Hamas, Israel cooperated with him. This cooperation was more about creating a viable opposition to PLO and Arafat's Fatah rather than genuine ideological alignment.

Contemporary Support and Funding

More recent evidence suggests ongoing support from Israel to Hamas:

Smuggling Qatari Cash: Since 2018, Israel has allowed suitcases containing millions of dollars in Qatari cash to enter Gaza through its crossings. Unemployment and Dependency: A significant portion of the Gazan population (70% of youth and 52% of the population overall) remains unemployed and totally dependent on foreign aid.

Conclusion

The evidence points to a complex and evolving relationship between Israel and Hamas. While it is clear that Hamas emerged as a direct response to Israeli occupation, the involvement of Mossad in its early years underscores a strategic effort to use the organization for various geopolitical ends. As the Palestinian conflict continues, these historical interactions remain crucial in understanding the current dynamics of the region.