National Programs in Israel: Lessons for the Formulation and Implementation of a National Space Program

This study examines the formulation and implementation of three national programs in Israel over the past two decades—in the fields of water, cyber, and artificial intelligence—in order to draw lessons for the development of an effective national program in the space sector.

In recent years, many countries have adopted national space strategies to harness the significant security, technological, and economic opportunities associated with the space domain. Despite its advanced technological capabilities, Israel has yet to formulate a comprehensive national space program.

The research analyzes three case studies. The National Water Program, developed in response to a severe water crisis in the early 2000s, successfully ensured Israel’s long-term water security through desalination, wastewater reuse, regulatory reform, and cooperation with the private sector. The National Cyber Program, launched in 2010–2011, established a national cyber ecosystem integrating government, academia, industry, and the defense establishment, positioning Israel among the world’s leading cyber powers. In contrast, the National Artificial Intelligence Program, formulated in 2020 with similar ambitions, has yet to be fully implemented.

Based on these cases and interviews with former senior civil servants, the study identifies key lessons for a future Israeli space strategy: the importance of a clearly defined national need, effective but balanced government leadership, an appropriate organizational structure—potentially including a space authority within the Prime Minister’s Office—and the development of a national ecosystem integrating government, academia, industry, and the defense sector.