Microsoft admits it provided AI to Israeli military for war in Gaza
Microsoft has publicly acknowledged that it provided artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing services-including Azure cloud storage and Azure AI services-to the Israeli military during the war in Gaza. This marks the first clear public admission by the company of its technological involvement with the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) during the conflict.
Details of Microsoft’s Involvement
Microsoft supplied the Israeli military with:
Software
Professional services
Azure cloud storage
Azure AI services, including language translation
The company also provided limited emergency support to the Israeli government after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, specifically to aid in hostage rescue operations.
Microsoft described its relationship with the IMOD as a “standard commercial relationship,” stating that all customers, including the IMOD, are bound by Microsoft’s Acceptable Use Policy and AI Code of Conduct.
Microsoft’s Position on Use and Oversight
Microsoft asserts that its internal and external reviews found no evidence that its Azure or AI technologies were used by the Israeli military to target or harm civilians in Gaza.
The company acknowledges the limits of its visibility, noting it cannot monitor how customers use its software on private servers or on-premises systems.
Microsoft stated it had provided “special access” and “limited emergency support” to Israel, but with “significant oversight” and only on a “limited basis”.
The admission follows months of employee protests and public scrutiny, with groups like “No Azure for Apartheid” calling for Microsoft to end all contracts with the Israeli military and to fully disclose its relationships with Israeli government entities.
Human rights organizations and some employees have raised concerns about the potential for AI systems to contribute to harm, given their use in intelligence processing and surveillance.
“We have found no evidence to date that Microsoft’s Azure and AI technologies have been used to target or harm people in the conflict in Gaza.”
Microsoft maintains it has abided by its human rights commitments in Israel and Gaza.
The company did not provide details on how its technologies were specifically used by the Israeli military or on the steps taken to safeguard civilian privacy and rights.
Microsoft has admitted to providing AI and cloud services to the Israeli military during the Gaza conflict, but maintains it has no evidence that its technologies were used to harm civilians. The company emphasizes its compliance with internal policies and oversight, while also acknowledging the limitations in tracking the use of its products once deployed by customers.
