Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces re-election this week, ‌is drawing criticism from economists and political rivals after suggesting Israel could use cryptocurrency to help shield its economy from potential international sanctions.

In an interview ‌with Israel’s Channel 10 on Friday, Netanyahu said he was preparing for a scenario in which broader sanctions were imposed on Israel.

Last month, Britain, ‌France and Canada said they would block imports from Israeli settlements in the West Bank in what was the latest in a series of actions targeting Israel’s settlement policy, underscoring its growing…