Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged on Monday that Israel is heading toward diplomatic isolation and warned the country may have to adapt to the realities of a “closed” or autarkic economy, remarks that underscore growing concern in Jerusalem about the diplomatic and economic fallout from the war in Gaza.
Speaking at the Accountant General’s conference at the Finance Ministry, Netanyahu said that a sustained “media blitz” in traditional outlets and on social networks has contributed to a form of international isolation that will affect Israel’s ability to import weapons components and could expose the country to economic pressures, including the risk of sanctions. He said Israel may be forced to develop domestic capabilities and “create the independence we need.”
“Countries like Qatar are investing vast sums to influence Western media with an anti-Israel agenda,” Netanyahu said, describing constant online attacks that, in his view, are amplifying Israel’s isolation. “You open your phone and you’re bombarded. On social media it’s even louder than in the traditional press. That puts us in a kind of isolation. Can we get out of it? Yes. We can fight the media, we will have to invest heavily in countermeasures.”
