Netanyahu's AI Minister Pick Withdraws Over US Citizenship

Oren Dobronsky, a prominent businessman slated to be placed at the 11th spot on the Likud party's Knesset list as a reserved candidate by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced Tuesday he will not run.

The reason for Dobronsky's withdrawal is his need to relinquish his American citizenship, a requirement he was unwilling to meet. Dobronsky stated that Netanyahu had invited him two months prior to join the Likud slate for the upcoming elections, offering him a ministerial role focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a reserved spot within the top ten candidates.

However, Dobronsky clarified that he preferred to serve solely as a professional minister, where he felt he could best utilize his experience without being a Knesset member on the party list. He expressed his intention to work closely with Netanyahu to establish Israel as an AI superpower.

Dobronsky, known to the Israeli public from the TV show "The Sharks," is a successful entrepreneur and a founder in Israel's high-tech industry. A month ago, Likud announced his joining the party's team, stating he would lead national efforts in AI across various sectors post-election.

Dobronsky's decision comes amid a turbulent period for Likud. Prime Minister Netanyahu was given an ultimatum by the party's tribunal to reveal his reserved candidates by Tuesday morning. The tribunal had warned that announcing the names shortly before the vote could be perceived as an improper maneuver and considered a secret ballot if not submitted on time. Netanyahu received eight reserved slots up to the 30th position, now leaving the 11th spot vacant following Dobronsky's withdrawal.