Israel created a new AI agency in the Prime Minister’s Office, raising concerns over coordination and funding.

Israel has launched a new AI authority within the Prime Minister’s Office, headed by Brig.-Gen. (res.) Erez Askal, signaling a major shift in national AI strategy. The move, announced on October 12, 2025, centralizes AI oversight away from existing cyber and innovation bodies, raising concerns about overlapping roles and potential conflicts with the Israel National Cyber Directorate. While the new agency initially focuses on long-term planning, its growing influence could strain coordination and resource allocation, especially amid post-war budget constraints and increasing reliance on AI for national security. The development underscores Israel’s ambition to lead in emerging technologies, but the exact scope and authority of the new body remain under scrutiny.