According to the report, the government approved the transfer of NIS 700 million (some $280 million) last month to an unclear source, identified by the government only as “the defense establishment.”

Citing unnamed officials, Kan reported that the money was being used to fund the new aid mechanism, run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and that the decision to transfer the funds was made under the radar in an attempt to keep the public from finding out — ostensibly since doing so would be highly unpopular with the government’s hard-right base.

The Israel- and US-backed GHF began operating in Gaza late last month, with Jerusalem saying it would serve as an alternative to previous aid distribution mechanisms, as a way to prevent Hamas from hoarding aid and using it to control the population. At the same time, the organization and US officials have maintained that it is an independent and neutral body.