Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel may need to develop a substitute economy to bypass international sanctions, acknowledging the growing pressure exerted by its main partner, the United States.
In a debate program broadcast by the Israeli channel Channel 10, available online, Netanyahu mentioned the possibility of sanctions, including banking restrictions. He emphasized the need to prepare an alternative economy capable of operating despite these sanctions.
When questioned about the application of blockchain technology—a system for recording and transmitting data that functions without central authorities or intermediaries—the re-election candidate responded positively, stating that he had requested such a plan be developed.
These statements come after the United Kingdom and other nations imposed sanctions on goods originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. These measures were taken in reaction to settler attacks on Palestinians and the expansion of those settlements themselves.
Despite maintaining a close alliance with US President Donald Trump, criticism directed at Netanyahu in the United States has intensified since the offensive in Gaza, which was launched in retaliation for the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
The leader of the nationalist Likud party has repeatedly defended the importance of Israel reducing its dependence on American military assistance and fostering greater strategic autonomy in the defense sector. Netanyahu admitted to being concerned about a possible change in the United States' position regarding the country.
Additionally, the Israeli Prime Minister recently threatened to restart a conflict against Iran, a nation already under severe global sanctions and which has implemented cryptocurrencies and other alternative economic methods.