Regardless, Netanyahu urged his party to accept his decision to fund HAMAS because he said that would prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. That is from the Israeli newspapers. The goal, IMO, is to keep a moderate Palestinian contingent on the sidelines politically. They are (were) certain Hamas is a loose cannon subject to engaging in actions like the attack on Israel on October 7. When Sharon incited a riot at the Temple Mount more than 20 years ago, this is an example of Netanyahu's strategy. It worked. Sharon was Netanyahu's teacher.