Billionaire Shlomi Fogel, an associate of Netanyahu, sought to invest in Gaza through Qatari funding while promoting the marginalization of the Palestinian Authority. His decade-long initiatives in Hamas-controlled Gaza were disrupted by the violence that erupted on October 7. His previous testimony in anti-corruption investigations reveals deeper implications of such entanglements in the region.
Shlomi Fogel, a billionaire with close ties to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sought to facilitate investments in Gaza through Qatari financing. He has encouraged projects aimed at establishing quiet in the region, proposing that the Palestinian Authority be further marginalized. Over the past decade, Fogel promoted various infrastructure initiatives within Hamas-controlled Gaza, demonstrating a sustained interest in the area despite ongoing conflicts.
Fogel’s involvement in Gaza projects included working with Qatari officials to secure funds, thereby linking his financial strategies with geopolitical influences. His business dealings seem to have stemmed from a desire to maintain stability in a tumultuous region, aligning his interests with those of both Qatar and Hamas. Despite these efforts, the escalation of violence on October 7 disrupted the ongoing initiatives and highlighted the fragility of such arrangements.
In July 2017, Fogel voluntarily provided testimony to the Lahav 433 anti-corruption unit regarding Case 3000, known as the submarine affair. During this encounter, he shared notable remarks that now carry substantial implications in light of recent developments in Gaza. His conversations with law enforcement underscored the intersection between business, politics, and conflict resolution in the region, suggesting that significant dialogue occurs outside of public scrutiny.
In summary, billionaire Shlomi Fogel’s associations with the Qatari government and his promotion of projects in Gaza reflect broader geopolitical dynamics in the region. Despite his efforts for stability through financial initiatives, the recent escalation of violence poses significant challenges to achieving lasting peace. Fogel’s testimony to the anti-corruption unit further illuminates the complexities of relationships among business, politics, and conflict resolution.
Original Source: www.haaretz.com
