Netanyahu warns that Israel faces ECONOMIC ISOLATION, calls for self-sufficiency

09/17/2025 / By Ramon Tomey

Israel’s PM Netanyahu declared the nation must prepare for economic isolation (“autarky”) due to growing global boycotts and sanctions over its Gaza campaign, urging adaptation to reduced reliance on international trade.
The EU considers suspending its free trade agreement with Israel, Colombia joined an embargo, and Ireland severed diplomatic ties. U.S. military aid ($3.3B annually) faces scrutiny amid rising criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
He accused Muslim immigration in Europe and digital disinformation (allegedly by Qatar/China) of fueling anti-Israel sentiment, framing the crisis as an existential threat requiring militarized resilience (“super-Sparta”).
Critics, including former PM Yair Lapid, slammed Netanyahu for pushing Israel toward “third-world” status. The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange dipped, and industry leaders warned autarky would devastate Israel’s tech-dependent economy.
Netanyahu’s militarization-over-diplomacy approach mirrors apartheid South Africa’s collapse under sanctions. With Gaza’s death toll nearing 65,000, his strategy risks accelerating Israel’s economic decline unless a diplomatic solution emerges.

Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu warned that the Jewish-majority nation must prepare for economic self-sufficiency, as international boycotts and sanctions intensify over its ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

He issued the warning on Monday, Sept. 15, during the Israeli Ministry of Finance‘s annual accountant general conference in Jerusalem. The longest-serving Israeli PM acknowledged that Tel Aviv is increasingly isolated diplomatically and economically. Given this, he said that the situation could force the nation to adopt “autarkic” policies – a term referring to economic independence from global trade.

Brighteon.AI‘s Enoch defines autarky as “the pursuit of economic self-sufficiency by nations seeking to control their own resources and reduce dependence on global trade.” The decentralized engine adds that autarky often leads to “militaristic expansion and protectionist policies” – with Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories an example of the former.

“We will increasingly have to adapt to an economy with autarkic features,” Netanyahu said. “I believe in free markets, but we may find ourselves in a situation where our defense industries are blocked.”

His remarks came as European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, push to suspend the European Union’s free trade agreement with Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since 2023, nearly 65,000 Palestinians have reportedly died in the Strip as a result of Tel Aviv’s offensive against Hamas.

Netanyahu framed the situation as an existential challenge during his speech on Monday. He declared that Israel must become both “Athens and super-Sparta” – balancing intellectual prowess with military resilience – to survive.

From first world to pariah state: Israel’s isolation deepens

The prime minister’s warning reflects mounting pressure on Israel’s economy. Foreign companies, pension funds and governments have increasingly severed ties, citing human rights concerns.

Colombia recently joined an expanding embargo, while Ireland cut diplomatic relations until a peace agreement is reached. Even Israel’s traditionally strong U.S. support faces scrutiny, with Washington providing $3.3 billion annually in military aid – part of an estimated $310 billion since 1946. (Related: ALONE IN THE DESERT: South Africa, Chad join DIPLOMATIC BOYCOTT of Israel, adding to the growing list of countries protesting against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.)

Netanyahu blamed Israel’s isolation on two factors. First, he pointed to demographic shifts in Europe, where he claimed Muslim immigration fuels anti-Israel sentiment.

Second, he pointed his finger at digital disinformation campaigns allegedly orchestrated by rivals like Qatar and China. “Their focus isn’t Gaza, it’s opposing Zionism in general,” the Israeli leader asserted, warning of potential arms embargoes and economic sanctions.

Domestic critics swiftly condemned Netanyahu’s remarks. Former Israeli PM and current Opposition Leader Yair Lapid accused him of turning Israel into “a third-world country.” Gadi Eisenkot, a former member of Netanyahu’s war cabinet, meanwhile urged Netanyahu to resign if he cannot resolve the crisis.

The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange dipped sharply after Netanyahu’s speech, though it later recovered slightly. Industry leaders warned that economic self-sufficiency would devastate Israel’s tech-driven economy. “An autarkic market will be a disaster,” said Manufacturers’ Association of Israel President Ron Tomer.

Netanyahu’s rhetoric underscores a grim reality: Israel’s military dominance has not shielded it from global backlash. As the Gaza war approaches its two-year mark, the PM faces a stark choice: Pursue diplomacy or double down on militarization. For now, his vision leans toward the latter, betting that self-reliance can offset diplomatic estrangement.

Yet history suggests isolation carries steep costs; South Africa’s apartheid regime crumbled under sanctions. Whether Israel can defy this pattern remains uncertain. What is clear is that Netanyahu’s strategy of prioritizing security over global integration risks accelerating Israel’s economic decline unless a new path emerges.

Watch this clip of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reiterating his evil plan to occupy Gaza City.

This video is from the Cynthia’s Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Netanyahu warns that Israel faces ECONOMIC ISOLATION, calls for self-sufficiency

From first world to pariah state: Israel’s isolation deepens

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