However, the intelligence agency didn’t specify in the job ad other tasks that it evolves, nor the objectives they sought with the hiring. The name of the job listing is “A technological leader in the field of fintech.” Ynet, a local media outlet, suggested that Mossad is reportedly interested in using cryptos to arrange payments to its agents or purchase equipment for the agency.
The cryptocurrency’s topic has been a hot potato in Israel, as it has been reported that Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization by several countries, is reportedly circumventing economic isolation by using cryptos such as Bitcoin (BTC) to seek funding.
Cryptos and Hamas Funding
In fact, Benny Ganz, Israel’s defense minister, signed an order to seize crypto accounts linked to Hamas’ members. However, it’s not known officially as of press time if the new role sought by Mossad is tied to Israel’s efforts in taking down such accounts belonging to Hamas.
The maneuver also comes in parallel with the plans of Israel to accelerate the deployment of the digital shekel, its central bank digital currency (CBDC). In May, the monetary regulator announced that it is accelerating its preparations for the potential launch of digital fiat.
However, the Israeli Central Bank stressed that it has no confirmed plans to launch digital shekel at a specific date. That said, the regulator was only hinting at preparing an action plan, which will ensure its preparedness to launch a CBDC if the situation arrives. The primary focus of it would be to assess the benefits and risks of such a digital fiat, as its impact could be enormous on the existing monetary system.
