Israel to Invest Billions in AI to Reduce Foreign Dependence
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Israel is launching a multi-year national program with an investment of approximately 3 billion shekels to boost its artificial intelligence capabilities. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude by fostering domestic development and infrastructure. The program will also focus on integrating AI into public services and education, with the goal of making Israel a global leader in AI and high-tech.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel will invest 3 billion shekels in a national AI development program.
- The program aims to reduce Israeli dependence on foreign AI platforms like ChatGPT.
- Investment will cover AI research, startups, and technological infrastructure, including data centers.
- AI integration into public services and education is a key component.
- The goal is to make Israel a global leader in AI and high-tech.
- Strong math and technical education is seen as crucial for the AI workforce.
Israel plans to invest approximately 3 billion shekels in artificial intelligence development as part of a multi-year national program aimed at establishing the country as a leading global center for AI research and application. Dmitry Gendelman, an advisor to the Prime Minister's Office, revealed the initiative in an exclusive interview.
The program, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in early August 2026, will fund not only research and startups but also the construction of essential technological infrastructure, including large data centers required for training modern AI models. Gendelman mentioned Nebius as one of the companies involved in this infrastructure development.
A key objective of the initiative is to foster technological independence, preventing Israel from becoming overly reliant on foreign AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude. This involves developing domestic AI solutions, computational power, and expertise.
Furthermore, the program intends to integrate AI into public services to automate administrative tasks and streamline citizen access to government resources. AI will also be increasingly utilized in schools, both through adopting existing educational tools and creating original Israeli solutions.
International corporations such as NVIDIA and Amazon are continuing to expand their presence in Israel, establishing research divisions and investing in infrastructure, with technological and industrial projects in Kiryat Gat cited as an example. Gendelman stated the overarching goal is to position Israel as a global leader in cyber technologies, AI, and the high-tech economy. He also emphasized the importance of a strong educational foundation in mathematics and technical subjects to supply the necessary workforce for the burgeoning AI sector.
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