Netanyahu plans AI minister role, reserved slot for high-tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to establish a ministerial role focused on artificial intelligence (AI) should he form the next government. High-tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky, who secured the first reserved position on the Likud party list, is reportedly being considered for this new portfolio, according to Walla news.

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We will turn Israel into a global artificial intelligence power.

This move aligns with Netanyahu's strategy to elevate AI as a key theme in the upcoming election campaign. Beyond traditional diplomatic, security, and economic issues, Netanyahu plans to highlight AI as a critical driver of economic growth and an area where Israel must compete with global leaders. He has consistently emphasized the importance of advancing AI to bolster Israel's position in the international technology race.

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We will turn Israel into a global artificial intelligence power.

Netanyahu's focus on AI is not new. In June 2023, following discussions with Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, he declared Israel's ambition to become a "global artificial intelligence power." He described humanity as being at the "dawn of a new era" with AI, stressing the rapid pace of change and the need for a national policy.

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We will turn Israel into a global artificial intelligence power.

Likud announced Dobronsky's placement on its Knesset election slate, describing him as a right-wing figure and a co-founder of the high-tech company Hotbar, with extensive experience in Silicon Valley. The party stated that Dobronsky would lead efforts in AI across various sectors, including the economy, education, medicine, and finance. However, Dobronsky recently faced scrutiny for past critical remarks about former U.S. President Donald Trump, which he later apologized for, calling Trump "the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House."

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We will turn Israel into a global artificial intelligence power.