Oren Dobronski Details Joining Likud and Congratulatory Call From Lieberman
Tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronski discussed joining Likud at Benjamin Netanyahu's request, receiving support from his father in Yisrael Beytenu, and a congratulatory call from Avigdor Lieberman.
High-tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronski, the intriguing new addition secured for the Likud party list, is adjusting to life in the political arena. In a candid interview on 103fm, Dobronski shared his thoughts on the sharp transition from the business world to the corridors of the Knesset, which he described as "diving headfirst into lava." According to Dobronski, he entered politics following a personal appeal from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who designated a key strategic role for him: leading Israel's artificial intelligence (AI) policy. "I call it a draft order," he explained.
Support for Netanyahu and Right-Wing Alignment
Dobronski did not hide his admiration for Netanyahu, describing him as a "giant in his capabilities" and the ideal person to navigate the country through complex diplomatic and security challenges. He flatly rejected any criticism of his political choice:
"I am proud to be part of Likud. Period. I am proud to be part of the right-wing camp, and unfortunately, camps that used to be in the center have leaned heavily to the left. It was not an option for me to be in any other party, because I am completely aligned with Likud's worldview."
Family Ties and Congratulations from the Opposition
The most surprising detail of the interview concerned his family background. It turns out that support for his political move also came from the opposition, as Oren's father is a senior official in the "Yisrael Beytenu" party.
"My sweet dad is very senior in Yisrael Beytenu; he is the chairman of their organizing committee. He is close to Lieberman, and I have known Lieberman for many years. My father pushed me, saying, 'Oren, go for it.'"
Dobronski added that Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman personally called to congratulate him on the move.
The Cost of Public Service
Despite his sense of mission, the tech entrepreneur admitted he was surprised by the intensity of the scrutiny and criticism directed at him, describing it as a search "at the level of whether you took gum from someone in the third grade."
When asked about the heavy financial price he would have to pay if he relinquishes his US citizenship upon being sworn into the Knesset—a step that could cost him millions—Dobronski elegantly deflected, noting that the question was "getting into his pocket," but made it clear that he is fully at peace with the sacrifice.
