In this episode of the Lex Fridman Podcast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discusses various topics, including threats to Israel, advancements in AI, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, regulation and competition, and more.
We broke the ice because I took a very strong stance against Iran, and the Gulf states understood that Iran is a formidable danger to them. So we had a common interest… And the combination of the desire to have some kind of protection against Iran or some kind of cooperation against Iran and civilian economic cooperation came to a head. – Benjamin Netanyahu
An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind. – Benjamin Netanyahu
Misconceptions About Israel
Netanyahu disagrees with the notion that he is one of the most hated men in the world and points to the broad support he receives, including from Arab countries.
He attributes the animosity towards Israel to ignorance and misinformation.
AI and its Impact
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes that AI is developing at a geometric rate and will have a significant impact on various aspects of life, including politics.
He acknowledges the need for regulation but doubts the feasibility of global regulation in the future.
I don’t expect anyone to pull the trigger on this combat, and I’m sure you’ll make sure that doesn’t happen. Well, martial arts is this kind of, it’s bigger than just combat. It’s this kind of journey of humility and it has, it’s an art form, it truly is an art. – Benjamin Netanyahu
If somebody threatens to eliminate you as Iran is doing today, and as Hitler did then and people discounted it, well, if somebody threatens to annihilate us, take them seriously and act to prevent it early on. – Benjamin Netanyahu
Competing with Monopolies
Benjamin Netanyahu discusses the concept of competition and monopolies, emphasizing the need to put barriers to monopoly in order to ensure a competitive market.
He believes in the power of competition to challenge big tech companies, especially with the rise of open-source movements.
Israel’s Contributions to the World
Netanyahu highlights Israel’s contributions to the world, such as its advancements in medicine, agriculture, and technology.
He also emphasizes Israel’s role in providing aid and support in times of crises and disasters around the globe.
When you’re saying anti-Zionism, you’re saying the Jewish people don’t have a right to have a state of their own. And that is a denial of a basic principle that I think completely unmasks what is involved here. Today, anti-Semitism is anti-Zionism. – Benjamin Netanyahu
Obstacles to Peaceful Coexistence
The main obstacle to peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, according to Netanyahu, is the persistent refusal of the Palestinian leadership to recognize a Jewish state in any boundaries.
He believes that the issue goes beyond territorial disputes and stems from their opposition to the idea of Zionism.
Taking Threats Seriously
Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizes the importance of taking threats seriously and acting early to prevent annihilation.
He equates the current threat from Iran to the threat posed by Hitler during World War II.
Israeli Concerns about AI
Netanyahu sees Israel as a leading AI power in the world and emphasizes the importance of investing in AI for security reasons.
However, he expresses concerns about the potential job displacement caused by AI and the need for structural changes in economic and political models.
Israel is the preeminent innovation nation. It has few competitors, and if we would say, all right, where do you have this close cross-disciplinary fermentation of various skills in areas, I would say it’s in Israel. – Benjamin Netanyahu
Anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism
Netanyahu believes that anti-Zionism is equivalent to anti-Semitism, as it denies the Jewish people the right to have their own state.
He argues that opposition to Israel is rooted in hatred towards Jews.
But that’s the reality, and right now, if you ask Israelis across the political spectrum, except the very hard left, most Israelis agree with that. They don’t really debate it. – Benjamin Netanyahu
I think what you see in Ukraine is what happens if you have territorial designs on a territory by a country that has nuclear weapons… So you have to be very careful on how you resolve this conflict. – Benjamin Netanyahu
Helping Resolve Conflicts
Netanyahu suggests that solving conflicts like the one in Ukraine requires a similar approach of reaching out to leaders of nations involved and finding a way to help stop the violence.
He believes in using his contacts and influence to contribute to bringing about peace in such situations.
The Corrupting Nature of Power
Netanyahu addresses the corrupting nature of power and denies any worries about it affecting him.
He attributes his long-standing political career and multiple re-elections to the will of the Israeli voters.
Judicial Reform in Israel
Regarding the proposed judicial reform in Israel, Netanyahu dismisses the claims that it would give him too much power and make him a dictator.
He explains that the reform aims to restore balance between the three branches of government and ensure checks and balances.
Israel’s Tech Industry
Israel’s vibrant free market economy and investment in conceptual products make it an attractive country for tech companies.
The country has a reservoir of talent in various fields, especially in technology and innovation.
The best regulator in economic activity is the market. And the best regulator in political matters is the political market, that’s called elections. – Benjamin Netanyahu
It’s a combination of that [conversation]… but I think it’s the question of interest and whether you have to get both sides to a point where they think that that conversation would lead to something useful. I don’t think they’re there right now. – Benjamin Netanyahu
That’s what Peter Thiel says is a natural course of things…if you are a very able competitor, you’ll create scale advantages that gives you the ability to lock out your competition. – Benjamin Netanyahu
