US and Israel Launch AI Partnership in Jerusalem

Two of the world's leading innovation powerhouses joined forces Friday in Jerusalem to shape the future of artificial intelligence and critical technologies.

Senior American and Israeli officials gathered at the historic City of David to sign a strategic partnership covering AI, semiconductors, space technology, and advanced research. The ceremony brought together Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, and Israeli National AI Agency Director Brig. Gen. Erez Askar.

The partnership does more than share ideas. It creates joint U.S.-Israel applied AI laboratories where researchers and companies from both nations can develop and test cutting-edge AI systems using shared data and infrastructure.

Israeli officials said work begins immediately, building on Israel's recent decision to establish a National Artificial Intelligence Directorate. The goal is positioning Israel as a global AI leader while strengthening ties with its closest ally.

Under Secretary Helberg explained the agreement fits within a larger U.S. framework called Pax Silica, designed to build trusted technology supply chains among democratic allies. He pointed to Israel's remarkable track record of producing "asymmetric outcomes" despite its small size, citing its world-renowned innovation ecosystem.

"The next era of prosperity and security will be shaped by those who build the critical technologies that power modern life," Helberg said. He highlighted artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, and energy as foundations of future strength.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership extends far beyond the two countries involved. Israel plans to sign similar agreements with additional nations over the coming year, creating a growing network of democratic allies collaborating on AI development.

The approach offers a blueprint for how like-minded nations can work together on technologies that will define the coming decades. Rather than competing in isolation, these countries are pooling expertise and resources to accelerate breakthroughs.

Ambassador Huckabee emphasized the human element behind the technical cooperation. "There is nothing artificial about the partnership of the United States and Israel," he said. "It is real and it is beneficial to both nations."

Foreign Minister Sa'ar connected technological leadership directly to security and prosperity in today's world. He described how innovation cooperation reinforces the broader U.S.-Israel alliance built over decades.

The ceremony concluded with officials from both nations overlooking Jerusalem, emphasizing that the partnership aims to spur innovation while reinforcing shared democratic values and long-term strategic alignment.

The future of technology just got a little brighter, and a lot more collaborative.