Yashar party leader Gadi Eisenkot launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, accusing him of moving into a world of delusions. Writing on the social media platform X, Eisenkot stated that Netanyahu was no longer fit to lead the country.
Eisenkot claimed that Netanyahu had previously dismantled Israeli society and weakened the army. He is now turning his attention to dismantling the Israeli economy for generations ahead, according to the opposition leader. The criticism followed recent remarks by Netanyahu regarding potential international banking sanctions.
Netanyahu said on Sunday that he had requested an economic plan involving alternative payment methods. These included cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to prepare for possible international economic and banking sanctions that could restrict the Israeli banking system.
Netanyahu also warned that US military aid would not last forever, urging the country to prepare for its possible end and to strengthen military self-reliance. The prime minister did not state that Israel would withdraw from the global economic system entirely.
Eisenkot mocked the proposal as Bibicoin, combining Netanyahu’s nickname with the suggested alternative payment methods. He questioned how Israeli technology companies serving foreign clients would receive payments or attract overseas investment if they had to bypass international banking.
The opposition leader asked how international acquisitions of Israeli companies could proceed under financial isolation. He warned that this course could prompt companies to relocate abroad, cause losses in savings and investments, and encourage citizens to leave the country.
According to Eisenkot, these consequences could include fewer jobs and reduced resources for healthcare and education, ultimately harming national security. He described the proposal as Netanyahu’s plan for Israel if he is reelected on Tuesday.
Netanyahu’s remarks drew criticism from broader Israeli political and economic circles as well. Israeli media cited an unnamed senior economic official who said that using cryptocurrencies to circumvent banking sanctions would not achieve the intended goal and could damage the economy.
The domestic political clash comes amid mounting international pressure on Israel for its military campaign in the Gaza Strip, settlement expansion, and attacks in the occupied West Bank. The UK and other Western countries have already taken measures against individuals and entities linked to Israeli settlements.
The exchanges preceded Tuesday’s Knesset elections, in which Netanyahu and Eisenkot are competing to lead the next government. Eisenkot urged voters to choose a better shared future.
Israeli politics is deeply divided over responsibility for the security failures of the October 2023 attack, subsequent military conduct, conscription, the economy, and foreign relations with Western allies.
