Tech Leaders May Decide Election, With Many Backing Opposition
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Leading figures in Israel's high-tech sector appear poised to back the opposition in the upcoming elections, potentially impacting the results against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Tech executive Asaf Rapaport was seen with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, while businesswoman Yasmine Lukacz voted for the "Yashar!" party, calling for change. Tech entrepreneur Eyal Waldman warned of serious problems if Netanyahu wins, citing economic and judicial concerns. The sector also criticized Netanyahu's crypto proposal as detrimental to the industry.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli tech leaders are reportedly backing the opposition, potentially influencing the upcoming election against PM Netanyahu.
- Tech executive Asaf Rapaport was seen embracing former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
- Businesswoman Yasmine Lukacz voted for the "Yashar!" party, urging widespread participation for change.
- Tech entrepreneur Eyal Waldman warned of serious problems for Israel if Netanyahu wins the election.
- The tech sector criticized PM Netanyahu's crypto proposal as a threat to Israel's economy and high-tech industry.
Prominent figures in Israel's high-tech industry are reportedly leaning towards supporting the opposition in the upcoming elections, potentially influencing the outcome against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Tech executives like Asaf Rapaport, known for the Waze acquisition by Google and recent media ventures, were seen interacting with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who is leading the "Achdut" (Together) list.
Rapaport, who has been involved in significant business deals including a potential bid for Cal, McDonald's Israel, and a stake in Herzliya Medical Center, was photographed embracing Bennett. This comes amidst speculation about Rapaport's business empire, which recently included an offer to purchase the Maccabi Haifa soccer club.
Businesswoman Yasmine Lukacz, daughter of Miriam Adelson and publisher of Israel Hayom, cast her vote for the "Yashar!" party led by Gush Etzion, expressing a strong desire for change and emotional about the voting process. She urged widespread participation.
Tech entrepreneur Eyal Waldman explicitly stated in an interview that a victory for Netanyahu would pose a serious problem for Israel, citing concerns about the judicial reform and a potential economic downturn. Waldman expressed hope for a victory by Gush Etzion, believing it would lead to positive change.
Prime Minister Netanyahu faced criticism from senior economists and the tech sector regarding his proposal to use cryptocurrency to circumvent international sanctions. The tech sector warned that this approach could isolate Israel financially and hinder the growth of its high-tech industry, as international investors might be deterred.
Alon Cohen, founder of CyberArk, argued that Netanyahu's crypto initiative would prevent any tech company from surviving or developing in Israel, as international banking systems would be inaccessible, and investors would be reluctant to invest. Gush Etzion's campaign has garnered support from tech leaders such as Wix founder Nir Zohar, and donors including Fiverr founder and CEO Micah Kaufman and IronSource founder and CEO Tomer Bar-Zeev.
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