Oren Dobronsky may pay millions of dollars if he runs for Knesset

High-tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky, who was placed 11th on the Likud list, may have to pay millions of dollars in US exit tax if he gives up his citizenship to be sworn into the Knesset. The tax is calculated on his assets, including unrealized gains. Political circles wonder if he will go all the way, especially if Netanyahu fails to form a government and Dobronsky ends up in the opposition.

High-tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky, who was placed 11th on the Likud list, may be required to pay an "exit tax" of millions of dollars to US tax authorities if he is elected to the Knesset and seeks to be sworn in as a member. The reason: to be sworn in as a Knesset member, he would need to renounce his American citizenship, and US tax law stipulates that a citizen seeking to renounce citizenship may be required to pay an exit tax, calculated as if he had sold his assets at the time of renunciation, including unrealized gains. Dobronsky, who has lived and founded companies in the US since 2000 and accumulated most of his wealth there, may face a tax bill estimated at millions of dollars. Political circles wonder if, in order to serve as a Knesset member, and perhaps later as a leader in the field of artificial intelligence, Dobronsky will indeed "go all the way" and pay the high tax. The question may sharpen if, after the elections, it becomes clear that Benjamin Netanyahu is not forming a government, and Dobronsky faces the possibility of serving as a Knesset member from the opposition. The Prime Minister announced the placement two days ago, and Dobronsky will be placed ahead of many senior party members. Deputy Minister Almog Cohen of Otzma Yehudit, who currently oversees the field, was also interested in the placement. Dobronsky has spoken harshly during the war, including calling to "flatten Gaza" and supporting the transfer plan, and attacked Trump on X, later issuing a public apology.