U.S. and Israel Launch AI Partnership Under Pax Silica

A new era of tech cooperation just kicked off between longtime allies, and it's built on sharing rather than shutting out.

Israel and the United States signed a strategic partnership agreement in Jerusalem last week, making Israel the first nation to formalize cooperation under the Pax Silica initiative. The U.S.-led program brings together 10 countries to collaborate on artificial intelligence, advanced computing, biotechnology, energy, and space technologies.

Erez Eskil, head of Israel's National Artificial Intelligence Authority, and U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg signed the declaration. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee witnessed the ceremony.

The partnership creates an organized framework connecting government agencies, universities, and tech companies. A Joint Economic Development Group will oversee projects linking research and development with advanced manufacturing, though the agreement remains non-binding to maintain flexibility.

Dr. Tal Pavel, an Israeli internet and computer expert, explained that this approach represents a significant shift in U.S. strategy. Rather than controlling technology through export bans and chip restrictions, Washington now focuses on strengthening cooperation among trusted allies.

The timing matters. Just months ago, Israel found itself in a "middle category" with limited access to advanced AI chips under export controls from the previous administration. Those restrictions were lifted in May, paving the way for this deeper collaboration.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership signals a new model for how democracies can work together in the global tech race. Instead of each country competing alone or building walls around innovation, allied nations are pooling resources and expertise.

The framework extends beyond just AI chips and algorithms. Ambassador Huckabee emphasized that cooperation includes supply chains for critical minerals, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies that will shape the next decade.

For researchers and companies in both countries, the partnership opens doors to shared computing infrastructure and joint development projects. Universities gain new collaboration opportunities, while tech startups access broader markets and resources within the alliance.

Under Secretary Helberg captured the vision simply: ensuring that allied countries shape the future of technology together. By coordinating efforts across borders, democratic nations can accelerate innovation while maintaining shared values around privacy, security, and human rights.

The Pax Silica initiative recognizes that technological leadership in the 21st century won't come from isolation. It will emerge from networks of collaboration among countries that trust each other and share common goals for how advanced technologies should serve humanity.

Israel's experience in cybersecurity, AI development, and biotechnology now flows into a broader ecosystem of allied innovation, creating possibilities that benefit all participating nations.