Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on erev Shabbos 23 Shevat 5774,at the 2014 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, attended a special conference on the cyber issue that was held under the heading “Risk and Responsibility in a Hyperconnected World”. Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and dozens of senior managers from around the world also attended.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, who was invited to address the conference, said that in the hyperconnected world in which we live, there are endless opportunities which are challenged by relentless attacks. He said that this was a global threat that had to be dealt with. The prime minister noted that Israel has hundreds of companies that were established in recent years and which concentrate on defensive technologies. He added that Israel was interested in sharing this know-how and invited conference participants to work together with us.

Mr. Netanyahu updated participants on the Digital Israel project which the Government approved last month in order to find innovative ways to provide digital services to the public via the use of advanced technologies that allow for the rapid transfer of high-volume content over a fiber-optic (or other) infrastructure.

The initiative will facilitate public links with, and accessibility to, the education, health and social welfare systems in the State of Israel while reducing geographic and social gaps, thus drawing the periphery closer to the center. In the future, the initiative will be expanded to other relevant government ministries. The initiative will also promote the infusion of technological tools in both the business and public sectors, including in small businesses by (inter alia) encouraging online commerce and sharing information, reducing bureaucracy and using online means to improve public service efficiency without having to leave one’s home. The initiative is being led by the Prime Minister’s Office, including Director-General Harel Locker and Deputy Director General Yossi Catribas.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)