Israel and the United States have formally launched a strategic partnership focused on artificial intelligence (AI), research, and critical technologies, marking a key milestone in the long-standing alliance between the two nations. The announcement was made today during a signing ceremony as part of the Pax Silica initiative.
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 and highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries in research, technology, and defense.
Speaking at the event, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership and the broader security collaboration between the two countries. “Israel enables America to secure its interests in the dangerous Middle East, providing real-time intelligence that saves American lives," Sa’ar said, highlighting Israel’s strategic role in the region.
Sa’ar praised Prime Minister Netanyahu for establishing the National AI Agency, which he described as crucial for addressing the challenges and opportunities of emerging technologies. “Our AI partnership - powered by Israel’s tech community and cutting-edge start-ups - strengthens America’s position as a global leader in emerging technologies and supply chains," he said.
The minister also underscored the shared security challenges facing both nations, citing threats from Iran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. He referenced US Secretary of State Alexander Haig’s description of Israel as “the largest American aircraft carrier in the world that cannot be sunk, does not carry even one American soldier, and is located in a critical region for American national security."
Sa’ar framed the partnership as more than a technological collaboration, stressing its role in national security. “Leading in technology is essential for national security in today’s world. Israel is an asset here too," he said.
Concluding his remarks, Sa’ar reflected on the historical and cultural ties between Israel and the U.S. “Our two nations - bound by common values and interests - are safer and better off when we stand closely together. And that’s exactly what we’re doing today," he said.
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."
Head of the National AI Directorate, Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Erez Eskel, said that, "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."
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.