Israel Business Forum: PM leading country to ‘dangerous and unprecedented’ downturn

The Israel Business Forum, which represents most private sector workers from 200 of the country’s largest companies, warns Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his policies are leading the country into a “dangerous and unprecedented economic and political downturn.”

The forum’s statement is a response to Netanyahu’s comments yesterday that Israel was facing the threat of diplomatic isolation over the war in Gaza, and needed to become a “Super Sparta” and be self-reliant.

“We are not Sparta — this vision as presented will make it difficult for us to survive in an evolving global world,” the forum cautions. “We are marching towards a political, economic, and social abyss that will endanger our existence in Israel.”

“The Israeli economy shows exceptional resilience, despite the security and political challenges — but not forever,” the forum adds.

The forum urges Netanyahu to “stop this” policy and calls on the government to immediately change course.

“The government must urgently put an end to the longest war in Israel’s history, promote the release of all hostages, announce a state investigation committee [regarding the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack], and set a date for elections in the immediate future,” the forum demands.