U.S.-Israel Digital Forum

The U.S. and Israel are among the most digitally advanced and connected countries in the world. In the 35+ years since the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement was signed, bilateral trade has grown 10-fold while becoming increasingly concentrated in industrial, high-tech, and digital products. Trade and commerce between Israel and the United States is robust and has great potential to grow and deepen as the global economy continues its march toward digitization.

On the sidelines of Israel's Cyber Week 2023, and in partnership with the Israeli High-Tech Association, this forum will bring together prominent U.S. and Israeli policymakers, industry leaders, and academia focus on digital economy policy issues shaping the bilateral commercial relationship.

Topics for discussion include:

The potential for U.S.-Israeli Innovation in emerging digital technologies
Legal and regulatory frameworks supporting next generation technology cooperation
How the U.S. and Israel can work together to create a safer and more secure digital ecosystem

Agenda

Welcome and Introduction (15 min)

Alon Haimovich, Israel Country Manager, Microsoft
Josh Kram, Vice President, International Strategy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Ron Tomer, President, Israel Manufacturers Association

Keynote Addresses: US and Israeli Government Perspectives (20 min)

USG – Liesyl Franz, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Cyberspace Security, U.S. Department of State (invited)

GOI – Ohad Cohen, Head of Foreign Trade Administration, Ministry of Economy and Industry

Panel 1: Growing US-Israeli partnerships in cutting-edge digital technology (40 min)

This panel will explore the areas/examples of partnerships in emerging digital technology such as AI, quantum computing, and health while ensuring strong cybersecurity.

Yael Fuchs-Shlomai, PhD, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Medtronic
Matthew Bohne, VP and Chief Product Security Officer, Honeywell
Zvi Maron, PhD, CEO, BATM
Mati Gill, CEO, AION Labs
- Moderator: Shlomi Kofman, Vice President, VP and Head of International Division, Israel Innovation Authority

Coffee Break (15 min)

Panel 2: Legal and regulatory frameworks supporting innovation and cooperation in the digital economy (40 min)

This panel will examine the legal and regulatory frameworks to support U.S.-Israeli trade and innovation, promote cross-border data flows, and support strong cybersecurity collaboration.

Reuven Eidelman, Head of Legal Department, Israel Privacy Protection Authority
Dan Or-Hof, Owner, Or-Hof Technology and IP Law
Danit Leybovich-Shati, Founder, Alpha Forensics Digital Evidence
Ari Ness, Policy Advisor, Global Data Policy, U.S. Department of Commerce
- Moderator: Niva Elkin-Koren, Professor of Law, Tel Aviv University Faculty of Law, Academic Director of the Chief Justice Meir Shamgar Center for Digital Law and Innovation

Panel 3: Promoting bilateral cooperation at intersection of cybersecurity and AI (40 min)

This panel will examine the trends in both countries to develop and use AI in cybersecurity, identify areas of mutual interest and potential frameworks for greater cooperation between the two countries along with recommendations for bilateral cooperation on responsible AI/cyber research & development, knowledge sharing, standards development, and the promotion of flexible risk-based approaches to AI regulations and other governance related issues.

William Bartholomew, Director of Security Strategy, Microsoft
Lior Frenkel, CEO, Waterfall Security
Miri Ofir, R&D Director, Check Point Software Technologies
- Moderator: Cedric Sabbah, Director, Emerging Technologies, Office of the Deputy Attorney General, Ministry of Justice

Summary and Next Steps (10 min)

Hila Hubsch, Head of Corporate, External and Legal Affairs, Microsoft Israel
Maya Schwartz, CEO, High Tech Association
Josh Kram, Vice President, International Strategy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Cocktail Reception (5:30pm-6:30pm)

U.S.-Israel Digital Forum

Location

Speakers