Advanced Technologies and National Security

A close examination of the recommendations of the National Committee for Accelerating the Field of Artificial Intelligence raises concern that the committee chose to focus on achieving a status symbol that signals leadership in the field, rather than on steps that would advance the realization of its vision

Should Israel consider developing a “blue-and-white ChatGPT,” and why?

Electromagnetic bombs (EMBs) are weapons based on electromagnetic radiation in the microwave spectrum, with destructive potential against electronic systems including communications, control systems, computers, and electrical systems, up to the point of paralyzing security, economic, and health infrastructures. EMBs have inherent advantages: They operate at the speed of light, are easy to use, cover wide target ranges, and function under all environmental and weather conditions. There are several types of EMBs, and they can be launched from various platforms such as cruise missiles, UAVs, air-dropped munitions, and certain types of rocket and artillery launchers. These bombs pose risks both on land and in space. The State of Israel must urgently prepare to address this emerging threat, particularly by strengthening its defense capabilities for critical national infrastructure. At the same time, it should also consider developing offensive capabilities of this type as a deterrent component that complements existing capabilities.

The Chinese government recently announced that rare minerals are a national asset, and that organizations and individuals are prohibited from taking control of such resources. The announcement was accompanied by the introduction of a program to track and control all the rare mineral resources at China’s disposal, including their production, processing and export. The announcement links to the fact that the Chinese regime, which is striving for political and financial dominance largely because of its internal needs but also due to its global vision, has identified the decisive importance of the market for metals and minerals—including nickel, copper, cobalt, magnesium, rare earths metals and rare ores and as well as others —for both the Chinese and the global economy, and as an engine of growth in the twenty-first century. The importance of minerals, including rare earth elements, lies primarily in their uses for green energy, the electric vehicle industry, electronic products, medicine, lasers, optical fibers, magnets in the motor industry, various aspects of the security industry, and the global microchip industry. These minerals are the building blocks for all branches of modern industry, and therefore control of their chain of supply is essential for the economic development of China itself, as well as a means to position China as an important player in the global economy, with considerable capabilities that can be leveraged for political influence. Over the past thirty years, China has made huge investments in mines and plants that process and refine critical minerals in Africa, and in some markets it has absolute dominance, up to 90 percent in the case of certain products. This fact has economic and political implications, particularly for China’s relations with the United States, and with countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and Southeast Asia. Israel’s knowledge-intensive industries (hi-tech) and its security industry must limit their exposure to the risk of a global shortage or political or economic restrictions on the imports of special critical minerals, by developing confidential contacts and partnerships in countries with the relevant natural resources in Europe and in Africa.