Israel appoints first AI Chief to close gap with global leaders

Israel names first national AI coordinator

Israel has appointed Brig. Gen. (res.) Erez Askal as its first AI Chief, a newly created position aimed at accelerating the country's artificial intelligence capabilities after falling behind global competitors. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the appointment on October 12, 2025, and this week the government approved a comprehensive AI policy framework that touches workforce development, infrastructure investment, and international partnerships.

Askal, former head of the elite 9900 intelligence unit, will work alongside Israel National Cyber Directorate Chief Yossi Karadi to coordinate what officials describe as a multi-year national campaign. The government committed to deploying approximately 100,000 GPUs dedicated to AI data centers, with major facilities planned for the Negev desert region.

Why it matters

Israel's strength in cybersecurity has not translated to AI leadership, where massive infrastructure, energy resources, and coordinated government investment matter more than private-sector agility. The new strategy acknowledges this gap and attempts to leverage Israel's proven edge in practical field applications—what Askal calls injecting AI "into the physical world"—rather than competing directly on foundational model development with far larger economies.

Focusing on practical applications over foundational research

The AI bureau has identified two core Israeli advantages: integrating cybersecurity expertise with AI development, and creating edge solutions that solve real-world problems in operational environments. Askal publicly framed this approach at a June conference, noting that while major powers race to build foundational AI infrastructure, "the entire world is stuck in the embarrassing situation asking: what do we do with this tomorrow morning?"

According to details first reported by The Jerusalem Post, the strategy explicitly avoids competing on large-language model development. Instead, Israel will focus on practical implementations—making aircraft smarter, enhancing agricultural technology, and applying AI to defense scenarios.

Infrastructure challenges and workforce retraining

The policy framework addresses structural disadvantages that slowed Israel's AI progress: limited space for data centers, insufficient natural resources for energy-intensive computing, and a government bureaucracy better suited to supporting private-sector cyber innovation than directing large infrastructure projects.

The government will act as a coordinator and facilitator rather than direct builder, streamlining approval processes that previously took years while encouraging private investment. Israeli universities will launch a new AI degree program in October, and officials estimate between one million and four million workers will require reskilling.

Several Israeli companies have already moved into data center development. Recent investments include Ofer Yanai's purchase of land in Shoham for 361 million shekels and Kardan Israel's establishment of a data center subsidiary.

US partnership in the Negev

American and Israeli officials are developing Project Spire, a proposed secure AI facility in the western Negev that would combine US military-grade security with technology hub research culture. The facility would host AI model training, chip design, and potentially semiconductor production on land leased to the United States.

The government decision also renews funding for quantum computing research and establishes new institutions focused on identifying AI applications across industries and combating deepfake technology.

Netanyahu characterized AI as "not just another technology" but "a revolution" affecting economy, security, and international standing. Askal stated the decision "ensures the power and achievements of Israel for the upcoming decades."

These details were first reported by The Jerusalem Post.