Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a significant meeting on Monday evening with billionaire and entrepreneur Elon Musk at the Tesla factory in California. The noteworthy encounter was streamed live on the social network X (formerly Twitter), capturing the attention of viewers worldwide. The discussion between these two influential figures encompassed various topics, including artificial intelligence, its application, its promotion within Israel, and the prevailing political climate in Israel.

Simultaneously, just outside the Tesla factory, a demonstration unfolded, composed of individuals opposed to the judicial reform advocated by the Netanyahu coalition. The organizers estimated that approximately 600 protesters had gathered to voice their concerns.

At the commencement of the meeting with Musk, Prime Minister Netanyahu delved into the subject of artificial intelligence, framing it as both a blessing and a curse. Drawing an analogy from biblical times, he remarked, "I call it the blessing and the curse. When Moses led the Israelites to the promised land, he told them that you will have to choose between the blessing and the curse, so choose the blessing of life and not the curse of death. And I think humanity needs to make a similar choice now." Netanyahu went on to highlight the incredible potential of artificial intelligence in fields such as medicine, genetics, elderly care through robotic assistance, enhanced efficiency in manufacturing, and the resolution of transportation gridlocks on land and in the skies. These, he noted, were the promises inherent in artificial intelligence. Yet, he cautioned against its darker side, citing threats to democracy, the proliferation of unreliable information, and the potential for mass manipulation or machine dominance over humanity.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went to the Tesla factory and took a tour with Elon Musk. They even went for a ride in the Cybertruck. 🤍 @elonmusk

🎥 @ElectricIsraeli pic.twitter.com/JYpKHLGLn2

— Dima Zeniuk (@DimaZeniuk) September 18, 2023

Injecting a touch of humor into the conversation, Netanyahu turned to Musk with a question, asking, "You are the unofficial president of artificial intelligence, what do you suggest we do to enhance the benefits and mitigate the curse?".

In response, Musk articulated his perspective, stating, "To be honest, I have met with several world leaders to discuss the risks associated with artificial intelligence. Those who lack familiarity with the technology may not fully comprehend its potential dangers. However, I also firmly believe that the benefits of artificial intelligence are profoundly substantial. I envision the future as a spectrum of possibilities, influenced by our collective free will, which should guide us toward a future marked by great achievements." Musk also addressed concerns surrounding China's utilization of artificial intelligence, remarking, "Many leaders in the Western world have expressed concerns about China's extensive use of artificial intelligence. One of the key points I have raised is that if we create artificial intelligence, it can be subject to control, even in the case of China. If we bring forth a digital entity that becomes our steward, it ceases to be an enigma for them."

Elon Musk jokes to Netanyahu that history is written by the winners unless the losers have a lot of time on their hands & edit Wikipedia pic.twitter.com/ggyPDquhRX

— An0maly (@LegendaryEnergy) September 18, 2023

Concluding the conversation just before departing, Prime Minister Netanyahu elucidated the rationale behind his meeting with Elon Musk. He stated, "My intention in meeting with Elon Musk, a man who is currently at the forefront of the most dramatic advancements in human technology in this new era, and perhaps in history, is to engage with a visionary paving the way for transformative changes in humanity. This individual is, to a significant extent, charting a course that will not only alter the destiny of mankind but also reshape the destiny of the State of Israel."