Hamas Cashes in on Black Market

Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu

Hamas is using a stash of cash to make money on the black market one week after the Olmert government allowed NIS 100 million into Gaza. The terrorist organization has "large stashes of shekels which they have been selling on the black market at a premium because of the cash shortage," the London Guardian reported. It said that Hamas might exchange the shekels for United States dollars, which are smuggled through tunnels from Egypt.

Last week, outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert authorized the transfer of NIS 100 million, approximately $25 million, to Gaza banks for the use of the Palestinian Authority to pay its workers. However, the PA said there was no guarantee that the money would not fall into the hands of Hamas, whose terrorists oversaw the transfer of money in armored trucks.

Israeli media reported last week that bank managers easily could transfer the money into Hamas's account instead of to PA employees. The transfer of money was intended to replace worn out bills.



Likud Knesset candidate Moshe Ya'alon, who was IDF Chief of Staff in the Sharon government, said Monday morning that the cash transfer at the same time that Gaza crossings are closed because of Kassam rocket attacks is another move by a "confused government."

He accused the government of creating the problem of how to retaliate and stop rocket and mortar attacks because it has no clear strategy. Ya'alon explained that current policies are a continuation of the Disengagement program, which resulted in the expulsion of thousands of Jews from the Gaza region and the withdrawal of all military personnel in the area, including the Philadelphi smuggling route.

Ya'alon's doubts about the 2005 Disengagement program were behind the unprecedented move by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon not to renew his term as IDF Chief of Staff several weeks before the expulsion began.

Indicative of uncertainty in government strategy are statements by defense ministers and Prime Minister Olmert the past three years. Aides to Olmert said last year, “The rules for a ceasefire are simple. When the terrorism stops and the kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit is returned, our fire will stop.” Six months later, he agreed to the June 19 ceasefire, explaining that it included conditions for freeing the kidnapped soldier -- who has yet to be released.

Two years ago, following a Kassam rocket attack that sent three Sderot residents to the hospital, Prime Minister Olmert stated that striking back at terrorists could do more damage than help.

Three years ago, then-Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz (Kadima) ordered the IDF to maintain fire, destroy targets from which Kassam rockets are fired and block the movement of Arabs in areas where rockets are launched.