{
  "id": 16455213,
  "title": "What the hell is going on with Netanyahu? - opinion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/what-the-hell-is-going-on-with-netanyahu-opinion",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-25T09:36:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-912759"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's latest comments, made on a business news channel, have left many scratching their heads. In the interview, he suggested shifting towards a \"bypassing economy\" or a \"blockchain economy,\" a notion that borders on insanity for many. The idea of Israel becoming a pariah state, like Iran, North Korea, or the Houthis in Yemen, due to such an economic shift is both absurd and concerning.\n\nNetanyahu's remarks come after he successfully saved Israel's economy in the 1990s through privatization. Now, he's advocating for a move away from international banking systems and towards an alternative economy. This shift could have severe consequences for the country, from losing pensions and the ability to travel abroad, to collapsing high-tech and industrial sectors. The only beneficiaries would seem to be the \"members of the Kohelet Forum,\" who might also vanish with the money if it disappears.\n\nNetanyahu's comments echo those of other leaders in North Korea, Russia, and Iran, suggesting that this \"Netanyahu-fate\" might be inevitable. However, it's far from certain that Israel can survive on Bitcoin when it remains dependent on the Western economy and international banking systems. The writer believes Netanyahu's comments are a result of either a mental health issue or an intention to scare the public and convince them that only he can save Israel.",
  "summary": "Our ship is speeding toward an iceberg, but we still have time to change course, take the helm, and return to safe waters.",
  "key_points": [
    "Netanyahu suggested shifting to a \"bypassing economy\" or \"blockchain economy\"",
    "His remarks come after successfully privatizing Israel's economy in the 1990s",
    "Critics fear severe consequences for pensions, travel, and high-tech sectors"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Advocating for a blockchain-based economy threatens to isolate Israel from international banking systems and could devastate the nation's high-tech sectors and individual pensions.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}