Israel to enter critical minerals race following government approval

Israel will enter the global race for critical minerals as the government unanimously approves a proposal by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to advance the country’s strategic interests in the sector, the Foreign Ministry announces.

Under the decision, an inter-ministerial team led by the Foreign Ministry will draft recommendations within 120 days aimed at securing supplies for Israeli industries and positioning Israel as a “significant player” in the field. The plan also tasks the ministry with leading negotiations with the United States and other international partners on cooperation agreements.

The move reflects growing global competition over minerals critical to advanced industries, including artificial intelligence, electronics and electric vehicles. Israel points to supply chain vulnerabilities and market concentration as key drivers, signaling an effort to reduce dependence on dominant suppliers and prevent the use of such resources as geopolitical leverage.

China currently dominates the global supply chain for critical minerals, reportedly controlling at least 90% of the rare earth minerals market.

Sa’ar, who represented Israel at a US-led critical minerals conference in Washington in February, says Israel will work alongside Washington to address the challenge and “create Israeli value in this strategic arena.”