TLDR: Israel has established a new National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Directorate within the Prime Minister’s Office, appointing Brig.-Gen. (res.) Erez Askal as its first head on October 12, 2025. This move signifies AI’s growing strategic importance for the nation, but it also raises concerns about potential conflicts and overlapping responsibilities with existing bodies like the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), which previously handled aspects of AI. The new directorate is tasked with formulating and implementing a national AI strategy, fostering innovation, regulation, infrastructure, and research, while the INCD focuses on practical cyber defense.
In a significant structural development, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced on October 12, 2025, the appointment of Brig.-Gen. (res.) Erez Askal as the inaugural head of a newly formed National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Directorate. This establishment marks a pivotal moment for Israel, underscoring the nation’s recognition of AI’s escalating criticality, a necessity it has acknowledged for approximately a decade.
Previously, the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD) and the Israel Innovation Authority independently managed various facets of the AI revolution within their respective mandates. The creation of a dedicated AI directorate represents a shift towards a more focused and independently resourced approach to AI development and governance.
However, this organizational restructuring has not been without its questions, particularly regarding the potential for direct and indirect conflict with the INCD. The INCD is expected to cede its AI-related portfolio as the new directorate assumes its responsibilities. This division of labor has sparked disagreements among former top cyber officials, who are debating whether the transition will proceed smoothly or lead to jurisdictional clashes.
The core of the potential conflict lies in the distinct, yet sometimes intersecting, roles of the two bodies. The INCD’s primary function is to lead the defense of Israel’s civilian and much of its government sectors against cyberattacks, as well as to manage the aftermath of such incidents.
In contrast, the new AI authority’s mandate is far-reaching. The PMO stated that ‘the national directorate will lead the formulation and implementation of the national strategy in the field, serving as a central arm for promoting innovation, regulation, infrastructure, and research, while strengthening Israel’s status in the international arena.’ Some analysts suggest that while the INCD is focused on the practicalities of cyber defense, the AI authority will concentrate on setting the country’s long-term vision and strategic goals for AI.
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This development highlights Israel’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in artificial intelligence, a field increasingly vital for national security and economic growth, while simultaneously navigating the complexities of governmental restructuring and inter-agency cooperation.
