Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport: “AI creates disruption, but also opportunity. That is true for Wix too.”
The Wiz founder says the AI revolution will force companies to reinvent themselves, argues Israel is falling behind in artificial intelligence, and calls Google’s $32 billion acquisition of Wiz a major vote of confidence in the country during wartime.
“Google should be appreciated for deciding to make its largest investment here during the most difficult time for Israel,” Assaf Rappaport said on Wednesday, reflecting publicly on the $32 billion sale of Wiz to Google and the broader upheaval reshaping the global technology industry.
Speaking at the Kibbutzim Leadership conference at the David Dead Sea Hotel, the Wiz CEO described the acquisition as both transformative and uncertain, while warning that artificial intelligence is beginning to redraw the boundaries of the high-tech industry.
“I don’t know if I did the right thing,” Rappaport said of the sale. “This is a life-changing deal for employees, managers and customers. I’m going to work at Google, Wiz will be an Israeli subsidiary, and we will maintain its Israeli DNA, because Google’s perception is that more can be done in Israel. I’m sure Google has more plans for Israel.”
The comments came at a time of growing anxiety across Israel’s tech sector, where companies are increasingly restructuring around AI technologies and cutting jobs. Asked about the wave of layoffs hitting the industry, including at companies such as Wix, Rappaport argued that AI represents more opportunity than threat for companies willing to adapt.
“Like any technological revolution, there are many changes, but also many opportunities,” he said. “This is true for the whole world, and for Wix it is more of an opportunity than a risk. Companies that don’t know how to change will close, but new ones will emerge.”
At the same time, he warned that Israel risks falling behind in artificial intelligence despite its dominance in cybersecurity.
“Israel is a bit behind on the subject of AI, unlike in cyber where we are at the global forefront,” Rappaport said. “I think academia in Israel should lead the issue of artificial intelligence, and they should stop bashing universities. Cyber, the Mossad and 8200 are at the forefront.”
Rappaport, who generally avoids media appearances, also addressed his involvement in the acquisition of Channel 13, which he is leading together with a group of investors, including the Kibbutz Movement.
Asked about his intentions for the broadcaster, he framed the move less as a business investment and more as an effort to preserve independent media.
“It doesn’t matter what I want, the purchase is a donation,” he said. “We won’t see any fruit from it. The only fruit is to allow free and independent media from any government or any regime, or interested parties that own media outlets.”
“We will recruit the best people and build the best news company in Israel, which will be for the government or against the government when necessary, depending on the situation,” he added.
Rappaport also said the investor group intends to contribute operational and technological expertise to the broadcaster, not only capital.
“We, as high-tech people, will help wherever we can, except for money, in the worlds of digital and technology,” he said. “I think it can be managed differently and better.”
Addressing reports of political pressure surrounding the transaction, Rappaport insisted the acquisition would proceed.
“There are political issues, but the deal will go through,” he said.
The Kibbutz Movement has invested NIS 10 million in the acquisition and will receive one seat on Channel 13’s board as part of the agreement.
Rappaport described the partnership as symbolic of a broader alliance between Israel’s traditional institutions and its technology sector.
“The first phone call I received when the acquisition was announced was from the Kibbutz Movement,” he said. “There are many places where we meet with the movement in Zionism, values and innovation.”
“In the phone call, the representatives of the movement told me, ‘We are with you.’ This caused more investors in high-tech to join me. Their contribution is not only in money. There is nothing more Israeli than high-tech connecting with the Kibbutz Movement, and I hope this will not be our only project.”
When asked about his next ambition, he replied simply: “I don’t know yet. I have a lot of work at Wiz because I have a great commitment to Google. This is my biggest mission right now.”
