Tech Executive Oren Dobronsky Reveals PM Netanyahu Offered Cabinet AI Role

High-tech executive Oren Dobronsky announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered him a position as a professional minister for artificial intelligence (AI) within the Likud party's slate for the upcoming elections. Dobronsky stated that the offer, made about two months ago, also included a protected spot within the top ten candidates on the Likud list.

However, Dobronsky chose to decline the Knesset candidacy, opting instead to focus solely on the professional ministerial role. "The Prime Minister offered me to serve as the minister for AI affairs and to be secured in the list in the top ten. Nevertheless, I preferred to serve only as a professional minister, where I can contribute most from my experience and not be on the list itself as a Knesset member, and so we agreed," he wrote. Dobronsky added his intention to work closely with Netanyahu to establish Israel as an AI powerhouse.

The offer comes amid Netanyahu's strong emphasis on AI. In recent months, the Prime Minister has promoted AI as a solution across various sectors, including the economy, industry, and education, announcing numerous initiatives and goals to position Israel as a global leader in the field. This includes integrating AI tools into the education system and providing training programs, with a vision of every student having a personal AI assistant for their studies.

Dobronsky's potential appointment as minister for AI would signify a further elevation of the technology's importance, moving it from educational programs and government initiatives to a dedicated cabinet-level position. If appointed, AI would gain a seat at the government's decision-making table.