11 Winter 2025 public sector or to the private sector as well. States such as the U.S., the UK, Canada, Japan and Israel, stated that the provisions of the Convention, as drafted, were not suited to private sector application, following our concerns that they could potentially stifle innovation of AI. This issue was resolved only at the very end of the negotiations, as the final text enables States to apply their provisions to the private sector, but does not require them to do so. Israel, despite its status as an observer State, was active in the negotiations. We aligned our efforts with those of likeminded States, such as the U.S., the UK, Canada and Japan, in urging for the text to provide the flexibility we needed. This shows the importance of taking an active part in international legal forums, and the influence it may have on international and domestic legal principles. The International Commercial Arbitration Law Lawyers from the Office of the Deputy Attorney General (International Law) are regularly involved in UNCITRAL working groups, the UN Commission on International Trade Law. In February 2024, the Knesset adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, and incorporated it into Israeli law. This marks the end of a long working process, and another significant step in fortifying Israel's stance within the international legal community. The International Commercial Arbitration Law marks a significant enhancement of our legal infrastructure. In adopting the law, Israel joined more than 120 jurisdictions worldwide in ensuring that international arbitration proceedings in Israel adhere to global standards while providing legal certainty and a streamlined process. The new law will enhance the efficiency and autonomy of arbitration proceedings, sending the message that Israel is committed to fostering a favorable environment for international trade and investment. We hope to soon publish draft regulations for the new law for public comments. Singapore Convention on Mediation Israel played a pivotal role in drafting the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements, commonly known as the Singapore Convention. Israel was one of the first countries to sign the Convention. Following the signing of the Convention, our office spearheaded the efforts to amend the Courts Law which was amended in July 2024, to create the necessary legal framework to enable the ratification of the Convention. I am happy to say that following this amendment, Israel became a party to the Convention. The Singapore Convention addressed the uncertainty surrounding the enforcement of international commercial mediation agreements and creates a unique pathway for the enforcement of international mediation agreements in courts within the State Parties, assuring parties that their settlement will be upheld in the countries that are signatories to the Convention. This development not only positions Israel prominently on the global stage but will very likely foster the expansion and advancement of the use of international mediation by Israeli companies to resolve dispute with foreign counterparts. Closing Remarks These few topics constitute but a glimpse of the work we have done since last year. Just as I could not anticipate the events of 2024, I am sure that the year of 2025 will also bring new challenges, as well as opportunities, in the regional and global spheres. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of our partners – and especially the inter-agency teams, including the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Council, the international law department at the IDF MAG Corps, the Ministry of Defense and others – who worked tremendously hard this year. I want to share with you the secret of my department’s achievements this year – the excellent and devoted employees in the department, who worked tirelessly to uphold and advance international law in Israel. Nothing would have been achieved without them. Lastly, and most importantly, while we are here discussing all these important matters, 100 men and women are still being held hostage in Gaza, in complete disregard of basic human rights. I utilize this opportunity to extend my wishes for the safe return of all the hostages and for the speedy and complete recovery of all of the injured. Let us pray for more peaceful days to come. n Dr. Gilad Noam heads the Office of the Deputy Attorney General (International Law), which advises Israel's government on all aspects of public international law. As Deputy Attorney General (International Law), Dr. Noam leads the department's participation in international forums, including international judicial institutions. Among other things, Dr. Noam served as a Co-Agent on behalf of the State of Israel in proceedings before the International Court of Justice this past year.
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