Israel’s Intelligence Service Seeking to hire Cryptocurrency experts as Israeli Blockchain Industry Continues to Grow
Recently Mossad, the intelligence agency for Israel, has posted a job listing for a cryptocurrency expert. This recent development highlights a broader change that blockchain technology has had on both the Israeli economy and its national security apparatus. In 2019 alone the Israeli blockchain industry grew by thirty-two percent. This growth has been acknowledged and recognized by the government. This is most recently evident with Israel's newest president being welcomed with the oath of office on an NFT.
However, as Israeli society and its government are rushing towards a full embrace of blockchain technology, its adversaries have also attempted to utilize the same technology to undermine the state. Most recently Hamas, the de-facto ruling body in the Gaza Strip and a recognized terror organization by western nations has attempted to use cryptocurrencies as a way of avoiding financial restrictions placed on the group brazenly attempting to use social media to fundraise through cryptocurrencies. By doing so Hamas is able to finance its military wing to attack Israel. This is of such concern to Israeli security that in July of 2021 Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz authorized Israeli security forces to seize cryptocurrency assets tied to Hamas. This was because of the acceleration of crypto donations to the terror group shortly after the last conflict between Hamas and Israel; which took place in May of this year.
This presents an interesting challenge to Israeli regulators and security experts. How to regulate a technology that is being used to grow the Israeli economy while combating the threats this technology can seriously have on improving the capability of its enemies. While the Israelis haven’t found all of the solutions, its leaders have fundamentally realized the potential scope the effects blockchain technology can have particularly on the nation's national security.
This is one example of how blockchain technology is already affecting global politics. Meanwhile, the United States has still yet to provide regulatory clarity to a growing blockchain industry in America. American leaders must begin to lead along with responsible innovators towards the solutions to problems the world our allies are already discovering. Furthermore, the United States should begin collaborating with its allies, such as Israel, to begin addressing the future of this technology as blockchain is truly a global force.
