Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar represented Israel at the Critical Minerals conference in Washington DC in early February.
The Critical Minerals Ministerial is a major US-led diplomatic initiative aimed at restructuring critical minerals supply chains to reduce international dependence on China.
Israel's participation reflects its role as a key player in the global technology, AI, and semiconductor sectors, which are heavily dependent on these materials. Becoming a global leader in AI was one of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s flagship goals, and Israeli participation in this conference is an important step toward that goal.
"The conference is one of the important strategic moves led by the Trump administration,” said Sa’ar.
He added, “The broad international coalition led by the US is designed to create a new international system that will guarantee its members the supply of critical minerals for various industries, essential to their economies and national security."
At the conference, US officials emphasized that relying on China for materials used in fighter jets, advanced weapons, and smartphones poses a direct threat to national security.
The meeting aimed to formalize a coalition to create alternative supply chains that are resilient against the potential for China to curb exports.
Hosted by the US State Department during the Trump administration, the summit brought together representatives from over 50 countries to establish a secure network for resources essential to defense, AI, and green energy technology.
What was proposed at the meeting?
To protect non-Chinese miners from being undercut by cheaper Chinese materials, the US discussed setting minimum prices for critical minerals, enforced through tariffs.
US Vice President JD Vance proposed a preferential trade zone for critical minerals among allies to ensure safe and secure access to these materials.
The summit marks a significant shift in US economic policy, emphasizing the development, refinement, and production of capabilities within the US and allied countries.