Management

Prof. Isaac Ben Israel

Director of the Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center (ICRC) , Tel Aviv University

Prof. Isaac Ben-Israel studied mathematics, physics and philosophy at Tel Aviv University, where he earned his Ph.D in 1988. Prof. Ben-Israel has served in the IDF continuously until his retirement in June 2002. During his service, Prof. Ben-Israel has held several posts in operations, intelligence and weapon development units of the IAF. He served as head of military R&D of the Israel Defense Forces and the Ministry of Defense.

Prof. Ben-Israel was a member of the 17th Knesset (Israeli Parliament) between June 2007 and February 2009.

Prof. Ben Israel serves as the Chairman of the Israeli Space Agency and chairman of the National Council for R&D in the Ministry of Science.

In 2002 Prof. Ben Israel joined the academic staff of Tel-Aviv University. He is currently the Head of Security Studies Program, Deputy Director of the Hartog School of Government and Policy, Head of the Interdisciplinary Cyber Studies Center (ICRC) and the Head of Yuval Ne'eman Workshop for Science, Technology and Security, at Tel-Aviv University. 

Dr. Yaniv Harel

Chief Strategy Officer of the Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center (ICRC) , Tel Aviv University

Dr. Yaniv Harel was the Cyber Solutions Group General Manager at Dell EMC, a global group within Dell Technologies. Under his leadership the Cyber Solutions Group won, designed, and built significant CERTs and other cyber projects. Yaniv is an expert in cyber defense in large organizations, and at the national level, with years of experience in governmental roles. Yaniv led several technology divisions within the IDF as part of his service. He was awarded the Israel National Medal for Security in 2002. In recent years Yaniv acted as the SVP Cyber Defense in Sygnia a Team8 and Temasek company that focuses on cyber premium services. In his academic capacity, Dr. Harel is the Chief Strategy Officer of the Cyber Center - ICRC at Tel-Aviv University. He assists start-ups, serves on advisory boards, and contributes to several initiatives at the Beer-Sheva Cyber Eco-system. Currently acts as a Co-Founder of a new initiative. In parallel works as an independent consultant to CISOs, Boards of Directors, and global companies.

Dr. Lior Tabansky

Head of Cyber Research Development of the Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center (ICRC) , Tel Aviv University

Dr. Lior Tabansky possesses a unique perspective on digital transformation and resilience, combining a Ph.D. in Political Science and 15 years managing corporate IT with extensive business experience developing cybersecurity strategies for nations and enterprises across Asia, Africa and Europe.

Dr. Tabansky's research spans sustainable development and resilience, comparative cyber power, and hostile influence operations via social media. His Lab's development of a sectoral approach to Critical Infrastructure Protection is making a significant impact, with the World Bank adopting his original methodology in large-scale infrastructure projects. Additionally, he serves as academic director of the "Effective Cybersecurity" Executive Education program. His 2015 book, Cybersecurity in Israel (co-authored with Professor Major-General (Ret.) Isaac Ben-Israel), is recognized as the first comprehensive insider analysis of Israeli policy and operations in this domain. His doctoral dissertation, under the supervision of Professors Azar Gat and Isaac Ben-Israel, provided a critical analysis of the shortcomings in peacetime defense adaptation that have left even the most advanced nations exposed to devastating state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting strategic homeland infrastructure.