Israel Launches Ambitious National AI Program to Become Global Artificial Intelligence Superpower.
Jerusalem:
The Israeli government has approved a comprehensive National Artificial Intelligence Program aimed at positioning Israel among the world’s leading AI powers, strengthening technological independence, accelerating economic growth, and enhancing national resilience in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
The program, approved on the recommendation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and spearheaded by the National AI Directorate in the Prime Minister’s Office, outlines a broad national strategy covering infrastructure, research and development, workforce training, public services, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and international cooperation.
The initiative is being viewed as one of the most significant technological investments in Israel’s history, reflecting the government’s belief that artificial intelligence will become a central pillar of national power and economic competitiveness in the coming decades.
Netanyahu: AI Is a Revolution That Will Shape Israel’s Future
Announcing the program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said artificial intelligence represents far more than another technological advancement and will have a transformative impact on every aspect of society.
“Our goal is clear: to establish Israel as a global leader in the field of artificial intelligence, because artificial intelligence is not just another technology—it is a revolution,” Netanyahu said.
He emphasized that AI would influence Israel’s economy, security, science, industry, healthcare, education, and international standing.
“We will leverage our greatest advantage: Israel’s human capital. We will turn Israel into a global AI superpower, just as we did with cyber,” he added.
Historic Opportunity for Israel
Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig. Gen. (Res.) Erez Askal, described the government’s decision as a historic milestone that would determine Israel’s technological position for decades.
“The resolution ensures Israel’s power and prosperity in the coming decades. We are in a historic window of opportunity,” Askal said.
He noted that the coming years would reveal which countries succeed in securing leadership in artificial intelligence and which become dependent on technologies developed elsewhere.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the central power infrastructure of the 21st century, affecting all components of national power. The decisions we make today will determine Israel’s stature for many years to come,” he said.
Massive Investment in AI Infrastructure
One of the cornerstone decisions of the program is the establishment of sovereign artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The government plans to significantly expand national computing capabilities and ensure broad access to advanced processing power for researchers, technology companies, startups, universities, and public institutions.
As part of the initiative, Israel will promote domestic capabilities in semiconductors and critical infrastructure while reducing barriers to access advanced computing resources.
The government has set an ambitious national target of establishing 100,000 processing units dedicated to AI applications across the country.
Officials say the move is intended to ensure technological independence, operational continuity, and national resilience in an increasingly competitive global technology landscape.
National Quantum Computer to Be Developed
The strategy also includes plans to establish a national quantum computer, relying as much as possible on Israeli-developed technologies, expertise, and innovation.
The government believes the project will strengthen Israel’s position at the forefront of next-generation computing technologies and contribute to breakthroughs in science, security, and industry.
Expanding International Partnerships
Recognizing the global nature of AI development, the government will seek to expand strategic partnerships and alliances with countries, research institutions, and technology companies around the world.
The objective is to reinforce Israel’s position as an international center for AI research, development, commercialization, and technological innovation.
Officials expect these collaborations to accelerate knowledge-sharing, investment opportunities, and access to advanced technologies.
Major Push for Human Capital Development
A central component of the national strategy is investment in human capital and workforce development.
The government plans extensive AI education and training programs spanning schools, universities, research institutions, vocational programs, and professional training initiatives.
The goal is to prepare future generations for AI-driven industries while ensuring that Israel maintains its competitive advantage in advanced technologies.
Training initiatives will target all sectors of society and focus on creating a highly skilled workforce capable of leading innovation in the decades ahead.
Preparing for Labor Market Transformation
Acknowledging the profound impact AI is expected to have on employment patterns, the government will establish a national mechanism dedicated to developing long-term policies for labor market adaptation.
The framework will focus on managing workforce transitions, identifying emerging professions, retraining workers, and ensuring that technological change contributes to economic growth while preserving social stability and resilience.
National AI Institute and Innovation Hubs
The government has also approved the creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Institute designed to strengthen cooperation between government agencies, universities, research organizations, private industry, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Alongside the institute, specialized AI acceleration hubs will be established to identify national and global challenges and convert them into practical AI-based solutions.
The hubs are expected to accelerate innovation, commercialization, and real-world deployment of advanced technologies.
Focus on Cyber AI, Physical AI and Deepfake Threats
Building on Israel’s globally recognized cyber expertise, the program prioritizes the development of advanced capabilities in Cyber AI and Physical AI.
The government will also invest in technologies designed to detect and counter deepfake threats and other emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence.
Officials believe these investments will strengthen Israel’s comparative advantages in cybersecurity, defense technologies, and advanced innovation sectors.
AI to Improve Public Services
Another major objective of the program is the integration of artificial intelligence into government services.
AI-powered tools will be introduced across public administration to improve citizen services, shorten processing and waiting times, simplify access to information, and enhance efficiency within government ministries and agencies.
The government expects these reforms to modernize public services and improve interactions between citizens and state institutions.
Strengthening Israel’s Global Position
The approval of the National Artificial Intelligence Program marks a major strategic step in Israel’s efforts to remain at the forefront of technological innovation.
By investing in infrastructure, quantum computing, human capital, cybersecurity, international partnerships, and public-sector transformation, the government aims to secure Israel’s place among the world’s leading AI nations and ensure long-term economic growth, national security, and technological leadership in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence era.
