Maj. Gen. (Res.) Professor Isaac Ben-Israel

Prof. Isaac Ben-Israel is the Founder and Head of Yuval Ne’eman Workshop for Science, Technology and Security at Tel Aviv University. Throughout his military career, Prof. Ben-Israel held pivotal roles within the IAF, spanning operations, intelligence, and weapon development units. His influential roles encompassed leading the IAF Operations Research Branch, helming the Analysis and Assessment Division of IAF Intelligence, and serving as the Head of Military R&D for Israel Defence Forces and the Ministry of Defence. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Israeli Defence Award twice. After retiring from active military duty, Prof. Ben-Israel transitioned into academia, becoming a professor at the University of Tel-Aviv. His roles included heading the Curiel Centre for International Studies and the Program for Security Studies.

Prof. Ben-Israel’s influence extended into public service as he became a member of the 17th Knesset, Israel’s parliament. During this time, he actively participated in committees addressing security, finance, science, and technology. His grasp of cybersecurity led him to formulate Israel’s national cyber policy and establish the National Cyber Headquarters in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Currently, he occupies leadership positions, such as Chairman of the Israel Space Agency and the Israel National Council for R&D. At Tel-Aviv University, he teaches in the Security Studies Program and leads various research centers, including the Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Studies Centre. Internationally, he held positions in esteemed organizations such as the International Academy of Astronautics and the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise Council of Singapore. In addition, he received numerous accolades, including the Singapore Defence Technology Distinguished Award.

Prof. Ben-Israel pursued Mathematics, Physics, and Philosophy at Tel-Aviv University and completed his Ph.D. in 1988.