Tel Aviv University Ties Deepen With Defense Sector in New Vice Presidential Role

Tel Aviv University has formalized its link to the defense sector by appointing Hagai Itkin as vice president for industry relations and entrepreneurship. The university announced the move last month, positioning Itkin to manage the institution's connections with high-tech and military industries.

Itkin served in the Mossad for nearly two decades before retiring in 2020. During his tenure, he held senior positions within the military structure. Before his formal appointment, he spent several years on campus working to establish ties with the high-tech industry. The university cited this background as the primary reason for hiring him.

Critics view the appointment as a clear signal of the university's alignment with security bodies. Local Call reported on Tuesday that the move indicates a close relationship between academic institutions and the military. The outlet argued that the university is taking a stand by integrating former intelligence leaders into its administrative ranks.

The university's partnership with the defense sector will expand next month with the hosting of DefenseTech Week. This marks the second consecutive year that Tel Aviv University organizes the event. The conference is co-organized with the Directorate of Defence Research and Development at the Israeli Defence Ministry. It aims to showcase advanced solutions for global security challenges.

The event draws support from a diverse group of sponsors, including Israeli and American arms manufacturers. Among the 22 sponsors are Shield AI, a US-based company focused on autonomous pilots, and Lockheed Martin. The list also includes Israel's three major arms producers: Rafael, Elbit, and Israel Aerospace Industries. The speaker lineup features senior military officials, former US Army officers, and industry executives.

New Profile, an Israeli NGO dedicated to demilitarizing society, has previously criticized the silence of academic institutions during the war in Gaza. In April, the organization noted that universities adopted militaristic rhetoric and continued cooperating with the military and arms industry. The group emphasized that academia's role in supporting the security establishment had become more pronounced.

Middle East Eye has previously reported on specific collaborations between Tel Aviv University and the military. The university helped develop live dog cameras for the army's canine unit. An academic at the institution previously called for the starvation and extermination of Gaza's population, a statement that drew attention to the university's public stance.