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Statement on the 11th Anniversary of the Signing of the California-Israel Strategic Partnership

Today marks the 11th anniversary of the California-Israel Economic and Research Cooperation Pact, a historic agreement that has strengthened economic, technological, and academic ties between California and Israel since its signing on March 5, 2014, by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Over the past eleven years, this strategic partnership has led to remarkable advancements in areas such as water conservation, alternative energy, cybersecurity, biotechnology, education, and agricultural technology.​

[Click here to read a full report on this historic partnership]

ICAN commends the California-Israeli leadership that established this partnership and recognizes the mutual benefits that have arisen from it. We encourage California to continue expanding this vital collaboration, exploring new avenues for joint innovation and addressing shared challenges. By deepening ties in these critical sectors, California and Israel can further enhance their positions as global leaders in technology and sustainability.​

As we celebrate this milestone, ICAN reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen the bonds between the United States and Israel, fostering economic growth, technological advancement, and cultural exchange for the benefit of both countries.

11 Years of Impact – The Benefits of the California-Israel Strategic Partnership

Since its signing in 2014, the California-Israel Economic and Research Cooperation Pact has delivered tangible economic, technological, and educational benefits to both California and Israel. Over the past 11 years, this partnership has transformed intergovernmental collaboration, led to groundbreaking scientific advancements, and deepened economic ties between the two innovation powerhouses.

Key Benefits of the California-Israel Strategic Partnership

1. Advancements in Water Conservation & Sustainability

  • Israeli expertise in water management and desalination has provided California with innovative solutions to combat drought and water scarcity.
  • Los Angeles County-Israel Sustainability Partnership led to delegations from L.A. visiting Israel to study water conservation strategies.
  • The City of Beverly Hills hosted conferences on water conservation with Israeli experts, fostering collaboration on climate-smart agriculture and irrigation technologies.

2. Cutting-Edge Clean Technology & Renewable Energy

  • The Los Angeles-Israel Cleantech Task Force was established to promote Israeli clean energy innovations in California.
  • Israeli-developed low-flow irrigation and climate-smart farming technologies were introduced in California’s agricultural sector, improving sustainability and efficiency.

3. Breakthroughs in Biotechnology & Health Research

  • The Israel-West Hollywood HIV/AIDS Task Force facilitated scientific collaboration between Israeli and Californian biotech experts.
  • The Israel-California Partnership for Joint Stem Cell Research resulted in two major agreements between Israel and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, promoting joint private sector and scientific research in stem cell therapies.

4. Cybersecurity & Technology Innovation

  • Israeli cybersecurity companies have partnered with California’s tech industry to enhance digital security frameworks.
  • Israeli firms gained access to California’s Innovation Hub (iHub) program, integrating with 16 regional clusters of research parks, incubators, universities, and venture capital firms.

5. Economic & Trade Growth

  • The Governor’s Office of Business Development (GO-Biz) signed an R&D partnership agreement with Israel, increasing foreign direct investment and joint technology ventures.
  • In the past 11 years, bilateral trade between California and Israel has expanded significantly, reinforcing both economies.

6. Strengthening Academic & Cultural Ties

  • The SCAG-Israel City-to-City Partnership allowed Israeli mayors to study urban development and community diversity strategies in Southern California.
  • The Israeli Antiquities Authority hosted a special Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the California Science Center, enhancing cultural and academic exchanges.

Conclusion: A Lasting & Expanding Partnership

The California-Israel strategic alliance has proven to be a model for state-level international cooperation, delivering sustainable solutions, economic growth, and cutting-edge scientific research. As we mark 11 years of success, ICAN encourages California to continue expanding and strengthening this vital partnership—unlocking even greater opportunities for innovation, investment, and collaboration in the years ahead.

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