JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israeli-American high-tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky, who recently received a reserved slot on the Likud Party’s candidate list for Israel’s upcoming elections, could face a multi-million-dollar U.S. tax bill if he is elected to the Knesset and chooses to take his seat.

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According to the report, Dobronsky would be required to renounce his U.S. citizenship before being sworn in as a member of the Israeli parliament. Under U.S. tax law, certain American citizens who relinquish their citizenship are subject to an “exit tax,” which treats them as if they had sold their worldwide assets on the date they give up their citizenship.

The tax may apply not only to realized gains but also to significant unrealized capital gains, potentially resulting in a substantial tax liability.

Dobronsky, who has lived in the United States since 2000 and built several companies there, accumulated much of his wealth during his years in America. As a result, the report estimates that his exit tax liability could amount to millions of dollars.

The issue has prompted speculation in political circles over whether Dobronsky would be willing to incur such a financial cost in order to serve in the Knesset—and potentially lead Israel’s national artificial intelligence strategy, a role envisioned for him by Likud.

The question could become even more significant if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is unable to form the next government, leaving Dobronsky to decide whether to pay the tax in order to serve as an opposition lawmaker.

Neither Dobronsky nor Likud responded to requests for comment, according to the report.

Prime Minister Netanyahu recently announced that Dobronsky would receive the first reserved slot on Likud’s electoral list, placing him 11th overall, ahead of many veteran party members and making him virtually assured of entering the Knesset should Likud perform as expected.

The appointment reflects Netanyahu’s intention to have Dobronsky spearhead Israel’s artificial intelligence policy after the election. The move reportedly came despite interest from Deputy Minister Almog Cohen of the Otzma Yehudit party, who currently oversees aspects of Israel’s AI portfolio and had also sought a reserved position.

In announcing the appointment, Likud described Dobronsky as “a successful businessman, one of the pioneers of Israel’s high-tech industry, and a committed man of the Right.”

The party said that after the election, Dobronsky would lead efforts to advance artificial intelligence across government, education, healthcare, the economy and other sectors.

During the war, Dobronsky attracted attention for a series of outspoken public statements. Among other remarks, he argued that Israel should not merely defeat Hamas but should “flatten Gaza,” and said the country should continue the war until Hamas is destroyed even if that meant not all hostages would return alive. He also voiced support for proposals to encourage the emigration of Gaza residents and backed the IDF’s ground operation in Rafah.

Dobronsky also came under criticism in June after posting sharply worded comments on X directed at U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of excluding Israel from negotiations with Iran and criticizing the administration’s handling of the talks.

Following the backlash that erupted after his placement on the Likud list was announced, Dobronsky issued a public apology.

“President Trump is the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House,” he wrote. “In one instance, when I did not have all the facts, I lost my temper and published something I regret. I apologize for that and express my deep respect for President Trump.”