Comptroller flags gaps in Israel’s national AI program
Comptroller flags gaps in Israel’s national AI program
Slow progress and lack of coordination contribute to falling rankings in AI innovation indices.
A new report by the State Comptroller published on Tuesday contains extensive criticism of Israel's progress in implementing artificial intelligence (AI), cyber initiatives, and related fields. Regarding AI, the report states: "There is no long-term strategy for artificial intelligence in Israel." The Comptroller notes that no comprehensive plan has been approved; only a partial plan exists, and its implementation has been slow. Furthermore, the report reveals a decline in Israel's global rankings in AI activity and investment:
In the Tortoise AI Index, Israel dropped from 5th place (out of 62 countries) in 2019 to 9th place (out of 83 countries) in 2024. In the Oxford AI Readiness Index, Israel fell from 20th place to 30th (out of 193 countries). In the Global Innovation Index, Israel declined from 10th place to 15th (out of 133 countries).
The Comptroller called on the Ministry of Innovation to enforce prior government decisions on AI policy. The report highlights a significant gap between Israel's vision for AI and its actual implementation, particularly given the rapid global development of the technology. According to the Comptroller, there is no designated government agency responsible for coordinating efforts between ministries or overseeing the national AI program.
The National Infrastructure Forum for Research and Development (TELEM) issued a response, disputing the report’s conclusions. TELEM stated that the Comptroller’s findings do not accurately reflect the progress made:
“Although the State Comptroller’s team was presented with all the actions undertaken within the National Program for Artificial Intelligence, it is not evident that these were reflected in the report’s conclusions. Israel consistently ranks in the top ten in international indices related to AI, and its standing compared to other countries is considered excellent.”
The government has allocated NIS 1 billion to AI initiatives in two installments as part of a national program. The program is led by Dr. Ziv Katzir and the Forum for National Infrastructures, which includes the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology; the Innovation Authority; the Ministry of Finance; and other relevant bodies. The program operates under a professional advisory committee headed by Prof. Yoav Shoham, a leading figure in Israeli industry. The program has focused on developing national R&D infrastructure in AI and has reportedly exceeded several of its original goals.
The Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology stated:
“The Ministry has prioritized artificial intelligence technology at the organizational and budgetary levels, leading key initiatives such as the development of national R&D infrastructures, the integration of AI in government ministries, participation in international forums, and the creation of national regulation and ethics policies. These efforts culminated in the historic signing of the first international treaty on AI. Since Minister Gila Gamliel assumed office, the Ministry has accelerated and expanded these efforts. A strategic, long-term national AI plan will be submitted for government approval in the coming months, addressing the issues raised in the Comptroller’s report.”
Former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology and Knesset AI Committee Chair MK Orit Farkash HaCohen also responded to the report:
“During my tenure, I initiated key processes in AI policy, including government decision number 212, which tasked me with formulating a national plan. My efforts included publishing precedent-setting regulations for AI and launching a comprehensive national program in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance in July 2022. Unfortunately, with the change of government, the program was not implemented, inadequately funded, and, as the Comptroller’s report describes, remains a ‘dead letter.’”
