Netanyahu tells Elon Musk Israel aims to lead in AI. (Photo: X/ Canva)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), following a high-level conference call with tech billionaire Elon Musk.
The call, which also included Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev and National AI Directorate head Erez Askal, came ahead of Netanyahu’s upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump.
During the call, Musk accepted an invitation to attend a Smart Transportation Conference scheduled in Israel in March. The discussion focused on promoting cooperation with Tesla and advancing legislation related to autonomous vehicles, signaling Israel’s push to integrate AI and cutting-edge technologies into its transportation and industrial sectors.
“We intend to propel Israel forward and turn it into a global leader in AI, just as we did in cyber and other technologies,” Netanyahu said during the call. This comes after the two leaders previously debated AI ethics at a Tesla factory panel in California in September 2023.
Israel has already been using AI in critical military operations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) employ systems like Gospel and Habsora to analyze surveillance data, identify potential targets, and assist in decision-making. AI tools have increased efficiency, enabling the IDF to process hundreds of targets daily, although critics warn that reliance on AI raises ethical concerns regarding civilian safety and accountability.
The conference call also addressed continued collaboration with Tesla and the advancement of autonomous vehicle laws. Netanyahu’s office emphasized that fostering AI development is part of Israel’s broader goal to become a global hub for emerging technologies.
With high-profile partnerships and a growing focus on AI regulation, Israel aims to position itself at the forefront of the AI revolution. Experts note that the country’s history of innovation in cybersecurity and technology could give it a competitive edge as nations worldwide race to dominate artificial intelligence.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience covering Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes that every voice matters, and journalism has a vital role to play in amplifying those voices. Sofia is committed to creating impact and shedding light on stories that truly matter. Beyond her work in the newsroom, she is also a music enthusiast who enjoys singing.
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