At his first annual meeting as Intel’s CEO, Lip-Bu Tan faced calls from shareholders to reconsider the company’s activity in Israel — and firmly shut them down. The proposal, introduced on geopolitical grounds, called on Intel’s board to reassess its presence in Israel, home to several of the company’s most critical R&D and manufacturing hubs outside the United States, including the Kiryat Gat chip plant, which employs thousands.
According to a report by Reuters, the proposal was one of three rejected during the meeting. Had it passed, it would have required Intel to formally discuss its ongoing investments and strategic footprint in Israel — a move that, according to management, could have posed risks to both operations and shareholder value. The rejection sends a clear signal: Intel has no intention of reopening the issue at this time, despite external pressure from select investors.
In the same meeting, shareholders approved the renewal of Intel’s employee stock allocation program aimed at attracting and retaining high-demand talent, particularly in the hyper-competitive chip and AI industries. They also signed off on Tan’s executive compensation package, which includes a $42 million stock bonus, contingent upon hitting key business milestones.
Intel’s leadership reiterated that it remains committed to its current strategic plan, which centers on reclaiming market leadership in semiconductors, advancing in artificial intelligence, and improving internal operational efficiency. Tan, who succeeded Pat Gelsinger following the company’s disappointing financial performance, has already launched a sweeping reorganization that includes significant cost-cutting measures and a 20% global workforce reduction.
Despite ongoing geopolitical friction and growing investor activism around corporate ethics, Intel appears resolved to maintain its longstanding presence in Israel, emphasizing business continuity and technological edge over political signaling.
