Netanyahu's First Appointed Candidate Declines Knesset Seat for AI Minister Role

Oren Dobronsky, a prominent Israeli tech entrepreneur and businessman, has announced he will not take a reserved spot in the Likud party's Knesset list. Dobronsky, who was handpicked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the first such "armored" candidate, stated he prefers to serve as a professional minister focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) rather than a Knesset member.

In a statement, Dobronsky explained that Netanyahu offered him a position within the top ten of the Likud list. However, he chose to decline the political offer, citing his desire to contribute his technological expertise as a minister. He aims to help Israel become an AI powerhouse, working on the initiative without holding a parliamentary seat.

Dobronsky, described as a surprising and promising figure in the Likud, is a pioneer in Israel's high-tech industry, having founded the country's first internet bulletin board in 1996. He views his potential role as a "call to duty" to advance Israel technologically, particularly in areas like the economy, education, and healthcare.

His decision frees up a reserved spot on the Likud list, leaving Netanyahu with six such positions. Dobronsky's background is in business and technology, not politics, and he has previously expressed no political aspirations. He sees his appointment as a way to leverage his entrepreneurial and professional knowledge within the government to lead the AI revolution in Israel.