PMO Governance and Social Affairs Department publishes, for the first time, the recommendations of the inter-ministerial team on innovation in government
The Governance and Social Affairs Department of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is publishing, for the first time, the recommendations of the inter-ministerial team on innovation in government. This initiative aims to create a significant leap in the effectiveness and efficiency of public services and solutions. This will be achieved by laying out a strategic, holistic, and practical roadmap to concentrate efforts, connect and leverage processes, and by identifying, supporting, and accelerating innovative initiatives while removing systemic barriers to their advancement.
Yesterday (Monday, 12 January 2026), during the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Government Innovation Space, attended by Accountant General Yali Rothenberg and PMO Deputy Director General for Governance and Social Affairs Liron Hantz, the guiding principles underlying the team's recommendations were presented. The establishment of this Innovation Space, created by the Accountant General’s Office and the PMO with the support of the inter-ministerial team, serves as a practical implementation of the strategic principles outlined in the report.
Recently, as part of the formulation of these recommendations, the Government of Israel joined the OPSI (Observatory of Public Sector Innovation) of the OECD. The OECD provided procedural and professional guidance to the team, based on international trends and in-depth learning from meetings with government officials in various countries. Israel's Ambassador to the OECD, Shay Cohen, noted that this is a core issue for the organization in its efforts to assist member states with effective governance and the implementation of innovation. He added that for Israel, cooperation with the OECD in innovation is a top priority.
The inter-ministerial team consists of senior representatives from the Center of Governance (COG) – including the Ministry of Finance, the National Digital Directorate, the Ministry of Justice, and the Civil Service Commission –consulting with various stakeholders inside and outside of government. The team was established in July 2023 with the backing of the directors-general of these government agencies.
Among other things, the professional work establishes the first operational doctrine for institutional-procedural innovation in the government. This includes a comprehensive approach to these efforts that goes beyond just digitization and digital innovation.
Main recommendations:
Portfolio Management: Creating and managing a government-wide, measurable portfolio of efforts based on a shared conceptual framework.
Hybrid Model: A model for managing innovation that supports and encourages grassroots initiatives while providing a strategic professional "umbrella" from a Center of Government (COG) perspective.
Removing Barriers: Focusing on the removal of obstacles to innovation as a central effort to enable progress.
Acceleration and Support: Supporting entrepreneurs and initiatives across the government to realize and leverage capabilities, including within dedicated spaces.
Human Capital Skills: Providing tools and skills for the workforce, emphasizing focused development and implementation "capsules."
Incentivizing Management: Encouraging government bodies and managers to adopt risk management practices that enable and promote innovation.
[All remarks translated from Hebrew]
PMO Acting Director General Drorit Steinmetz:
"We will continue to act out of a commitment to promoting a more efficient, smart, and effective public service for the benefit of Israel's citizens. The team's recommendations strengthen our ability to take previous efforts forward and connect them to bring greater collective benefit."
PMO Deputy Director General for Governance and Social Affairs Liron Hantz:
"Innovation in government is not a luxury but a necessity. In this first-of-its-kind roadmap, we are creating a professional doctrine based on OECD
The Governance and Social Affairs Department of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is publishing, for the first time, the recommendations of the inter-ministerial team on innovation in government. This initiative aims to create a significant leap in the effectiveness and efficiency of public services and solutions. This will be achieved by laying out a strategic, holistic, and practical roadmap to concentrate efforts, connect and leverage processes, and by identifying, supporting, and accelerating innovative initiatives while removing systemic barriers to their advancement.
Yesterday (Monday, 12 January 2026), during the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Government Innovation Space, attended by Accountant General Yali Rothenberg and PMO Deputy Director General for Governance and Social Affairs Liron Hantz, the guiding principles underlying the team's recommendations were presented. The establishment of this Innovation Space, created by the Accountant General’s Office and the PMO with the support of the inter-ministerial team, serves as a practical implementation of the strategic principles outlined in the report.
Recently, as part of the formulation of these recommendations, the Government of Israel joined the OPSI (Observatory of Public Sector Innovation) of the OECD. The OECD provided procedural and professional guidance to the team, based on international trends and in-depth learning from meetings with government officials in various countries. Israel's Ambassador to the OECD, Shay Cohen, noted that this is a core issue for the organization in its efforts to assist member states with effective governance and the implementation of innovation. He added that for Israel, cooperation with the OECD in innovation is a top priority.
The inter-ministerial team consists of senior representatives from the Center of Governance (COG) – including the Ministry of Finance, the National Digital Directorate, the Ministry of Justice, and the Civil Service Commission –consulting with various stakeholders inside and outside of government. The team was established in July 2023 with the backing of the directors-general of these government agencies.
Among other things, the professional work establishes the first operational doctrine for institutional-procedural innovation in the government. This includes a comprehensive approach to these efforts that goes beyond just digitization and digital innovation.
Main recommendations:
Portfolio Management: Creating and managing a government-wide, measurable portfolio of efforts based on a shared conceptual framework.
Hybrid Model: A model for managing innovation that supports and encourages grassroots initiatives while providing a strategic professional "umbrella" from a Center of Government (COG) perspective.
Removing Barriers: Focusing on the removal of obstacles to innovation as a central effort to enable progress.
Acceleration and Support: Supporting entrepreneurs and initiatives across the government to realize and leverage capabilities, including within dedicated spaces.
Human Capital Skills: Providing tools and skills for the workforce, emphasizing focused development and implementation "capsules."
Incentivizing Management: Encouraging government bodies and managers to adopt risk management practices that enable and promote innovation.
[All remarks translated from Hebrew]
PMO Acting Director General Drorit Steinmetz:
"We will continue to act out of a commitment to promoting a more efficient, smart, and effective public service for the benefit of Israel's citizens. The team's recommendations strengthen our ability to take previous efforts forward and connect them to bring greater collective benefit."
PMO Deputy Director General for Governance and Social Affairs Liron Hantz:
"Innovation in government is not a luxury but a necessity. In this first-of-its-kind roadmap, we are creating a professional doctrine based on OECD
principles. It aims to instill innovation throughout all government branches, accelerating innovative moves to leverage overall capabilities for the public's benefit. The 'Start-Up Nation' must include the public sector and not remain the domain of the business sector alone."
Full report link:
https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/generalpage/files251124/he/teamreport120126.pdf
Full report link:
https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/generalpage/files251124/he/teamreport120126.pdf
Prime Minister’s Office Announcement
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today (Tuesday, 13 January 2026), with Yaakov Harari, who was released last night from prison in Venezuela and landed in Israel a short time ago.
Harari, 72, was held for over a year by the Maduro regime along with dozens of other Western hostages.
Also participating in the call were Harari's daughters, Yael and Ya'ara, who expressed their deep appreciation to the State of Israel, the Prime Minister, the Jewish community in Caracas, and all of the state’s envoys for the unceasing efforts to release their father from prison and bring him home.
Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated the Harari family and wished Yaakov and his loved ones health, a swift recovery and a return to a regular routine following the nightmare they endured.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mossad, and Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch for their work. He also thanked the US administration, and the German, Austrian and Italian governments for the assistance they provided to Israel during the process of returning Harari to Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke today (Tuesday, 13 January 2026), with Yaakov Harari, who was released last night from prison in Venezuela and landed in Israel a short time ago.
Harari, 72, was held for over a year by the Maduro regime along with dozens of other Western hostages.
Also participating in the call were Harari's daughters, Yael and Ya'ara, who expressed their deep appreciation to the State of Israel, the Prime Minister, the Jewish community in Caracas, and all of the state’s envoys for the unceasing efforts to release their father from prison and bring him home.
Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated the Harari family and wished Yaakov and his loved ones health, a swift recovery and a return to a regular routine following the nightmare they endured.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Mossad, and Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch for their work. He also thanked the US administration, and the German, Austrian and Italian governments for the assistance they provided to Israel during the process of returning Harari to Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Speaks with Yaakov Harari and his Family
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Tuesday, 13 January 2026), spoke with Yaakov Harari and his family [translated from Hebrew]:
"Everyone here joined forces to bring you back. We intend to bring back all of the other citizens who are in the same distress."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Tuesday, 13 January 2026), spoke with Yaakov Harari and his family [translated from Hebrew]:
"Everyone here joined forces to bring you back. We intend to bring back all of the other citizens who are in the same distress."
(Communicated by the President's Spokesperson)
Tuesday, 13 January 2026 / 23 Tevet 5786
President Isaac Herzog Speaks with Yaakov Harari Following His Release from Prison in Venezuela
This evening, Tuesday, President Isaac Herzog spoke with Yaakov Harari immediately upon his return home to Israel. Harari had been held in prison in Venezuela for over a year without any justification, under extremely harsh and life-threatening conditions. On Monday, Harari was released from detention following an Israeli and international effort, in which President Herzog also took part at the request of the Israeli government’s Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch.
During his call with President Herzog, Harari described the suffering he endured and his current condition. President Herzog expressed his support for Harari and his family after the difficult ordeal they had endured.
President Herzog: “Yaakov, after a prolonged period outside Israel and separation from your family, after terrible suffering, thank God you have returned home. On behalf of the State of Israel, I welcome you on your return. We stand by you and your family and will assist you throughout the process of rehabilitation and return to normal life.”
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Tuesday, 13 January 2026 / 23 Tevet 5786
President Isaac Herzog Speaks with Yaakov Harari Following His Release from Prison in Venezuela
This evening, Tuesday, President Isaac Herzog spoke with Yaakov Harari immediately upon his return home to Israel. Harari had been held in prison in Venezuela for over a year without any justification, under extremely harsh and life-threatening conditions. On Monday, Harari was released from detention following an Israeli and international effort, in which President Herzog also took part at the request of the Israeli government’s Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch.
During his call with President Herzog, Harari described the suffering he endured and his current condition. President Herzog expressed his support for Harari and his family after the difficult ordeal they had endured.
President Herzog: “Yaakov, after a prolonged period outside Israel and separation from your family, after terrible suffering, thank God you have returned home. On behalf of the State of Israel, I welcome you on your return. We stand by you and your family and will assist you throughout the process of rehabilitation and return to normal life.”
Benjamin Lee, benjaminl@president.gov.il, 050-6169572
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Speaks with the Parents of Fallen Hostage Master-Sgt. Ran Gvili
The Prime Minister’s Office, this evening (Wednesday, 14 January 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with Tali and Itzik Gvili, the parents of the fallen hostage Master-Sgt. Ran Gvili, of blessed memory.
The Prime Minister clarified that Ran's return is a top priority and that the declaratory move regarding the establishment of a technocratic committee will not affect the efforts to return Ran for a Jewish burial.
Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that the Government of Israel insists that information provided to the mediators by the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing and his team must immediately translate into effective actions on the ground.
Hamas is required to meet the terms of the agreement to exert 100% effort for the return of the fallen hostages, down to the very last one, Ran Gvili, a hero of Israel.
The Prime Minister’s Office, this evening (Wednesday, 14 January 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with Tali and Itzik Gvili, the parents of the fallen hostage Master-Sgt. Ran Gvili, of blessed memory.
The Prime Minister clarified that Ran's return is a top priority and that the declaratory move regarding the establishment of a technocratic committee will not affect the efforts to return Ran for a Jewish burial.
Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that the Government of Israel insists that information provided to the mediators by the Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing and his team must immediately translate into effective actions on the ground.
Hamas is required to meet the terms of the agreement to exert 100% effort for the return of the fallen hostages, down to the very last one, Ran Gvili, a hero of Israel.
ISRAELI GOVERNMENT TO HOST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMBATING ANTISEMITISM IN JERUSALEM AHEAD OF INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
Conference gala with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to honor the late Charlie Kirk; Keynote speakers at the conference include Mr. Edi Rama, PM of Albania; Hon. Scott Morrison AC, former PM of Australia; Ms. Yulia Tymoshenko, former PM of Ukraine; and Mr. Sebastian Kurz, former Chancellor of Austria
January 26–27, 2026 - International Convention Center and the Knesset, Jerusalem
See the full agenda and speaker bios here: www.generationtruth.co.il
Media representatives must RSVP in advance here: [link] https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf91bj9ykZXCInbrYU_-A2rp0t0PYshLeQbsEuBsZ12Rcw5zg/viewform
Jerusalem, Israel (January 14, 2026) - The Government of Israel will host the second International Conference on Combating Antisemitism, under the theme “Generation of Truth,” a two-day global forum taking place January 26–27, 2026, in Jerusalem, ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Initiated by Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli, the conference will convene world leaders, senior policymakers, parliamentarians, academics, and media professionals to address the growing global threat of antisemitism and Holocaust denial.
A gala evening will be held on Monday, January 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Jerusalem International Convention Center, attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister Chikli, senior Israeli political figures, and dozens of international guests.
Gala highlights include:
• Presentation of a special government award to Leo Terrell, Special Envoy of the Trump administration for combating antisemitism on college campuses.
• Lighting of a memorial torch in memory of victims of antisemitic attacks worldwide, led by Rabbi Yehoram Ulman of Australia.
• Posthumous presentation of the Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Award to Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, in recognition of his contribution to the global fight against antisemitism. The award will be accepted on his behalf by Rob McCoy, Kirk’s personal pastor and prominent American public figure.
The conference will officially open with a plenary session on Monday, January 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Negev Hall, the Knesset, with arrival by 10:00 a.m.
The session will be led by Minister Chikli and attended by President Isaac Herzog, Knesset Speaker MK Amir Ohana, and parliamentarians from around the world.
Keynote speakers include:
• H.E. Mr. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania
• Hon. Scott Morrison AC, former Prime Minister of Australia
• Ms. Yulia Tymoshenko, former Prime Minister of Ukraine
• Mr. Sebastian Kurz, former Chancellor of Austria
Participating nations include Austria, France, Poland, Spain, Brazil, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus, Albania, and Portugal.
The conference agenda will address urgent challenges in the global fight against antisemitism, including:
• The growing normalization of Holocaust denial and strategies to counter its spread
• Antisemitic conspiracy theories within political discourse
• Rising antisemitism in Europe and its impact on Jewish communities
The program includes high-level plenary sessions, targeted meetings, and roundtable discussions designed for parliamentarians, policymakers, academics, media professionals, and influencers.
A full agenda and complete list of speakers is available at: [link] https://generationtruth.co.il/
Media Information:
Media must RSVP in advance and hold a valid GPO card. Media must specify any recording or photography equipment in advance. RSVP here: [link]
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf91bj9ykZXCInbrYU_-A2rp0t0PYshLeQbsEuBsZ12Rcw5zg/viewform
For further details:
Roni Niv, Head of Communications & Spokesperson, Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism: 050-2221862, Ronin@pmo.gov.il
Rimon-Cohen PR:
Media contact: Sara Libman, Puder PR, New York
Office: +1 (212) 558-9400; in Israel: (03) 722-0237, ext. 2;
Conference gala with PM Benjamin Netanyahu to honor the late Charlie Kirk; Keynote speakers at the conference include Mr. Edi Rama, PM of Albania; Hon. Scott Morrison AC, former PM of Australia; Ms. Yulia Tymoshenko, former PM of Ukraine; and Mr. Sebastian Kurz, former Chancellor of Austria
January 26–27, 2026 - International Convention Center and the Knesset, Jerusalem
See the full agenda and speaker bios here: www.generationtruth.co.il
Media representatives must RSVP in advance here: [link] https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf91bj9ykZXCInbrYU_-A2rp0t0PYshLeQbsEuBsZ12Rcw5zg/viewform
Jerusalem, Israel (January 14, 2026) - The Government of Israel will host the second International Conference on Combating Antisemitism, under the theme “Generation of Truth,” a two-day global forum taking place January 26–27, 2026, in Jerusalem, ahead of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Initiated by Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli, the conference will convene world leaders, senior policymakers, parliamentarians, academics, and media professionals to address the growing global threat of antisemitism and Holocaust denial.
A gala evening will be held on Monday, January 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Jerusalem International Convention Center, attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister Chikli, senior Israeli political figures, and dozens of international guests.
Gala highlights include:
• Presentation of a special government award to Leo Terrell, Special Envoy of the Trump administration for combating antisemitism on college campuses.
• Lighting of a memorial torch in memory of victims of antisemitic attacks worldwide, led by Rabbi Yehoram Ulman of Australia.
• Posthumous presentation of the Minister of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Award to Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, in recognition of his contribution to the global fight against antisemitism. The award will be accepted on his behalf by Rob McCoy, Kirk’s personal pastor and prominent American public figure.
The conference will officially open with a plenary session on Monday, January 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Negev Hall, the Knesset, with arrival by 10:00 a.m.
The session will be led by Minister Chikli and attended by President Isaac Herzog, Knesset Speaker MK Amir Ohana, and parliamentarians from around the world.
Keynote speakers include:
• H.E. Mr. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania
• Hon. Scott Morrison AC, former Prime Minister of Australia
• Ms. Yulia Tymoshenko, former Prime Minister of Ukraine
• Mr. Sebastian Kurz, former Chancellor of Austria
Participating nations include Austria, France, Poland, Spain, Brazil, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Romania, Cyprus, Albania, and Portugal.
The conference agenda will address urgent challenges in the global fight against antisemitism, including:
• The growing normalization of Holocaust denial and strategies to counter its spread
• Antisemitic conspiracy theories within political discourse
• Rising antisemitism in Europe and its impact on Jewish communities
The program includes high-level plenary sessions, targeted meetings, and roundtable discussions designed for parliamentarians, policymakers, academics, media professionals, and influencers.
A full agenda and complete list of speakers is available at: [link] https://generationtruth.co.il/
Media Information:
Media must RSVP in advance and hold a valid GPO card. Media must specify any recording or photography equipment in advance. RSVP here: [link]
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf91bj9ykZXCInbrYU_-A2rp0t0PYshLeQbsEuBsZ12Rcw5zg/viewform
For further details:
Roni Niv, Head of Communications & Spokesperson, Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism: 050-2221862, Ronin@pmo.gov.il
Rimon-Cohen PR:
Media contact: Sara Libman, Puder PR, New York
Office: +1 (212) 558-9400; in Israel: (03) 722-0237, ext. 2;
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with ZAKA Management and Volunteers
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Thursday, 15 January 2026), at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, met with the management and volunteers of the ZAKA (https://zaka-tlv.org.il/en) organization.
The Prime Minister presented a certificate of appreciation to the members of the organization for their activities during Operation Rising Lion.
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his deep appreciation and thanked the organization's volunteers on behalf of himself, and the Government and citizens of Israel for their vital work.
ZAKA CEO Zvi Hasid and dozens of volunteers thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership throughout the war, and his recognition of the many volunteers and support for the organization.
Attached photo credits: Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Thursday, 15 January 2026), at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, met with the management and volunteers of the ZAKA (https://zaka-tlv.org.il/en) organization.
The Prime Minister presented a certificate of appreciation to the members of the organization for their activities during Operation Rising Lion.
Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his deep appreciation and thanked the organization's volunteers on behalf of himself, and the Government and citizens of Israel for their vital work.
ZAKA CEO Zvi Hasid and dozens of volunteers thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership throughout the war, and his recognition of the many volunteers and support for the organization.
Attached photo credits: Ma'ayan Toaf (GPO)
Israel and the United States Sign Joint Statement on Artificial Intelligence – Israel is the First Country to Sign a Joint Statement in this Field with the U.S.
The State of Israel and the United States, today (Friday, 16 January 2026), at the City of David in Jerusalem, signed a Joint Statement in the field of Artificial Intelligence. This follows Israel's joining last month of the Pax Silica initiative, which unites leading nations in the field of AI. Out of the nine leading nations in this sector, Israel was selected to be the first country to sign a Joint Statement with the U.S.The Joint Statement signed today is another step in advancing the State of Israel toward global leadership in Artificial Intelligence, as part of the flagship goals of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The memorandum was signed by the Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig.- Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel, and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, in the presence of Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar:
Today - as part of the Pax Silica initiative - Israel and the United States are issuing a Joint Statement on the launch of a strategic partnership: On A.I., research and critical technologies. This is another milestone in our unbreakable alliance. Under the leadership of President Trump, our relations are at historic heights. I commend Prime Minister Netanyahu for forming the National AI Agency - to address today's challenges and opportunities. And I wish you, Erez, continued success. Keep up the good work. Today's statement is further proof of the undeniable fact: Just as the United States is indispensable for Israel – Israel is an indispensable asset for America and its National Security interests. Israel enables America to secure these interests in the dangerous Middle East."
Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel:
"Since the establishment of the National AI Directorate under the Prime Minister, we have been working vigorously to create partnerships with the key nations leading the global AI industry, foremost among them our great friend, the United States. In this framework, about a month ago, we joined the Pax Silica group – a group of leading nations in the development of safe Artificial Intelligence.
This partnership with leading nations joins efforts to build high-power computing infrastructure and develop human capital for the AI industry in Israel, in deep collaboration with academia and industry.
I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his extensive efforts to support the Directorate, out of the understanding that leadership in the field of artificial intelligence will determine the national security of the State of Israel."
US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Mr. Jacob Helberg:
"With the launch of Pax Silica, the United States and Israel are uniting our innovation ecosystems to ensure the future is shaped by strong and sovereign allies leading in critical technologies like AI and robotics. Standing on the ancient foundations of the City of David, we are declaring that we are not creatures of circumstance, but the creators of history—building a new era of security and prosperity together.”
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee:
“I often say that America has many friends and allies, but we have only one true partner in Israel. This Strategic Partnership announcement is just the latest example of U.S.-Israel cooperation on the most important and challenging issues of our time – access to critical minerals, resilience of supply chains, the development of AI, quantum computing, and next generation technology that will benefit both America and Israel and fundamentally change the world.”
Israel and the United States and Israel intend to continue their deep, durable partnership through joint research, development, investment, and commercialization across a broad range of strategic sectors, including: artificial intelligence (AI), energy
The State of Israel and the United States, today (Friday, 16 January 2026), at the City of David in Jerusalem, signed a Joint Statement in the field of Artificial Intelligence. This follows Israel's joining last month of the Pax Silica initiative, which unites leading nations in the field of AI. Out of the nine leading nations in this sector, Israel was selected to be the first country to sign a Joint Statement with the U.S.The Joint Statement signed today is another step in advancing the State of Israel toward global leadership in Artificial Intelligence, as part of the flagship goals of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The memorandum was signed by the Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig.- Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel, and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, in the presence of Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar:
Today - as part of the Pax Silica initiative - Israel and the United States are issuing a Joint Statement on the launch of a strategic partnership: On A.I., research and critical technologies. This is another milestone in our unbreakable alliance. Under the leadership of President Trump, our relations are at historic heights. I commend Prime Minister Netanyahu for forming the National AI Agency - to address today's challenges and opportunities. And I wish you, Erez, continued success. Keep up the good work. Today's statement is further proof of the undeniable fact: Just as the United States is indispensable for Israel – Israel is an indispensable asset for America and its National Security interests. Israel enables America to secure these interests in the dangerous Middle East."
Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel:
"Since the establishment of the National AI Directorate under the Prime Minister, we have been working vigorously to create partnerships with the key nations leading the global AI industry, foremost among them our great friend, the United States. In this framework, about a month ago, we joined the Pax Silica group – a group of leading nations in the development of safe Artificial Intelligence.
This partnership with leading nations joins efforts to build high-power computing infrastructure and develop human capital for the AI industry in Israel, in deep collaboration with academia and industry.
I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his extensive efforts to support the Directorate, out of the understanding that leadership in the field of artificial intelligence will determine the national security of the State of Israel."
US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Mr. Jacob Helberg:
"With the launch of Pax Silica, the United States and Israel are uniting our innovation ecosystems to ensure the future is shaped by strong and sovereign allies leading in critical technologies like AI and robotics. Standing on the ancient foundations of the City of David, we are declaring that we are not creatures of circumstance, but the creators of history—building a new era of security and prosperity together.”
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee:
“I often say that America has many friends and allies, but we have only one true partner in Israel. This Strategic Partnership announcement is just the latest example of U.S.-Israel cooperation on the most important and challenging issues of our time – access to critical minerals, resilience of supply chains, the development of AI, quantum computing, and next generation technology that will benefit both America and Israel and fundamentally change the world.”
Israel and the United States and Israel intend to continue their deep, durable partnership through joint research, development, investment, and commercialization across a broad range of strategic sectors, including: artificial intelligence (AI), energy
technologies and storage, advanced computing infrastructure, space, edge innovation, additive manufacturing, and semiconductors. This partnership includes renewed focus on protection of sensitive technologies and supply chains, strengthening a secure and trusted environment for investment and collaboration.
Attached photo credits: Yossi Zamir (GPO)
Video credit: Noga Malsa (GPO)
Attached photo credits: Yossi Zamir (GPO)
Video credit: Noga Malsa (GPO)