Eyal Waldman backs Eisenkot, warns Netanyahu win could threaten Israel’s democracy, economy

Israeli tech entrepreneur Eyal Waldman cautioned that a victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming election could bring significant political and economic challenges to Israel, potentially undermining its democratic system and economic stability. Speaking to Maariv, Waldman expressed fears that without a robust police force and a functioning Supreme Court, Israel might lose its democratic status.

He also predicted a potential exodus of talented individuals from the country, leading to economic deterioration.

Waldman highlighted concerns over the long-term impact of certain elements within the settler movement and the haredi community, asserting that a shift in government was essential. He expressed hope that Eisenkot would emerge victorious, foreseeing a shift in direction. Waldman, who lost his daughter and partner in the Nova music festival massacre, has contemplated entering politics himself but has not received any invitations from prominent politicians, including Netanyahu, Smotrich, Ben Gvir, Goldknopf, or Shas.

As the founder of semiconductor company Mellanox Technologies, Waldman is a well-known figure in Israel's tech sector and public discourse. In 2024, he faced controversy when efforts were made to prevent him from receiving the Israel Prize for entrepreneurship due to his association with the Kaplan anti-government protest movement, though these efforts ultimately failed. Waldman received the prize, and subsequently, he sold Mellanox to Nvidia for $7 billion.

Currently, Waldman is engaged in diversifying his business interests through Waldo Holdings, a private investment firm. Besides real estate holdings, he has investments in debt funds, private equity, and Nvidia shares. He expressed satisfaction with the Mellanox acquisition, acknowledging its excellence despite his preference for waiting.

Waldman anticipates Nvidia's expansion in Israel under CEO Jensen Huang, with a new center in Tivon expected to employ 10,000 people. He remains more optimistic about Nvidia's growth and profitability than market analysts, emphasizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.