Ex-Deputy Minister Idan Roll Explains Shift From Politics to Tech for National Impact

Idan Roll, a former rising star in Israeli politics and Deputy Foreign Minister, has transitioned from the Knesset to lead "Code for Israel," an organization bridging the tech sector, philanthropists, and government ministries. Roll, who left politics citing a need for a different pace and new ideas, believes his new role allows him to foster national projects by leveraging Israel's technological strengths. He emphasizes that the high-tech industry is crucial not only for the economy but also for contributing to national solutions.

In his first extensive interview since the move, Roll highlighted major challenges facing Israel, particularly in the age of AI. He pointed to education as a critical area needing improvement, suggesting AI could help address teacher shortages and update curricula. Roll also discussed the difficulties in combating online disinformation, citing the rapid spread of fake news after the Play Dubai incident. He explained that while government possesses resources, its slow bureaucracy and regulatory constraints, along with US FARA laws, limit its direct influence in the online sphere.

Roll's organization aims to map challenges and develop solutions by collaborating with government, social sectors, and philanthropies. He noted that as a public servant, he learned that progress often occurs at a slower pace than desired, necessitating a different operational model for Israel to tackle its significant challenges. He also addressed the perception of Israel's diplomatic standing, attributing it partly to inherent antisemitism and global discomfort with a strong, self-defending Jewish state, while acknowledging that policy and politicians can exacerbate tensions.

He criticized the lack of a functional public relations system within Israel for years into the war, which failed to monitor networks or counter anti-Israel propaganda. Roll advocates for building a robust technological infrastructure to identify and counter negative sentiments quickly, rather than reacting after an incident. He shared an example of a project with the Jerusalem municipality that developed a tool to identify at-risk youth online, increasing intervention rates sixfold.

Reflecting on his political departure, Roll stated he received offers from several parties but chose his current path to operate at a different pace. He reiterated his belief, expressed in his book "Opening the Club," that lowering the electoral threshold could foster new ideas and a more substantive public discourse. Roll also defended Amir Ohana, the openly gay Speaker of the Knesset, as an important symbol for the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the significance of his visibility alongside his family and traditional values.