Israeli Expert Urges Greater Use of AI in National Security While Preserving Human Judgment
Dr. Ofer Israeli, a geo-strategic expert and international relations scholar at Ashkelon Academic College, highlighted in a Channel 7 interview the critical role artificial intelligence (AI) can play in Israel's security, economic, and policy decision-making. He emphasized that while AI can analyze vast data to identify emerging trends, threats, and opportunities, strategic decisions must remain under human control. Dr. Israeli pointed to the Russia-Ukraine war and the rise of drone warfare as wake-up calls for Israel to integrate advanced technology earlier in its defense preparations, noting that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) only found solutions after soldiers were harmed by drones.
He criticized the common assumption in Israel that battlefield success automatically translates into long-term strategic gains, citing impressive military achievements in Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza that have not yielded corresponding political outcomes. Dr. Israeli stressed the importance of leaders relying on top experts in strategy, even if they themselves are not specialists, and dismissed fears that professional advisors might push personal agendas. Instead, he said their role is to present alternatives and recommendations, with final responsibility resting on political leadership.
Regarding AI's strategic potential, Dr. Israeli proposed using it to forecast global developments in security, economy, and foreign relations, enabling better-informed decisions for the near and distant future. However, he insisted AI must serve as a force multiplier rather than replace human decision-makers, who uniquely understand human values, ethical judgment, and accountability. "We can never delegate to machines the understanding of the human soul or the responsibility borne by decision-makers," he concluded.
