Israel's Military Reliance on Microsoft's Cloud Technology Exposed in Leaked Documents
The leaked documents illustrate how the Israeli military’s integration of Microsoft’s cloud and AI technologies surged during its operations in Gaza, revealing substantial military reliance on private tech firms.
Leaked documents reveal that the Israeli military's dependence on Microsoft's cloud technology and artificial intelligence systems significantly increased during its military operations in Gaza. This surge in reliance coincided with the most intense phase of bombing in October 2023.
The investigation, led by the Guardian along with the Israeli-Palestinian publication +972 Magazine and Hebrew-language outlet Local Call, highlights how Microsoft fortified its relationship with Israel's defence sector post-7 October 2023, providing enhanced computing and storage services alongside deals worth over $10 million for technical support.
The files indicate that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) turned to major US tech firms during the conflict to fulfil their urgent need for advanced technological tools. This dependency on Microsoft, Amazon, and Google illustrates the integration of private tech support in military operations.
Microsoft's Azure cloud services were reportedly employed across various branches of the IDF, including air, ground, and naval forces, as well as intelligence divisions. This integration enables the military to manage and analyse vast quantities of information crucial to operations.
The documentation also reveals that Microsoft provided large-scale access to OpenAI’s GPT-4 model to the Israeli military, aligning with a broader trend of tech companies engaging in high-stakes military collaborations. However, Microsoft declined to comment on its military role, and the IDF maintained its silence regarding specific details.
The findings reveal concerns surrounding the blurring of lines between commercial and military technology, and the implications of private sector involvement in warfare.
According to the files, the IDF's consumption of Microsoft's AI tools surged dramatically, indicating their essential role in combat and intelligence operations. Microsoft has established itself as a trusted partner of the IDF, highlighting a significant shift in military operational support.
The growing interest in such collaborations has elicited scrutiny within the US, especially regarding a perceived ethical dilemma among tech professionals around enabling military actions against humanitarian standards.
Notably, the IDF’s shift towards cloud technology is long-anticipated, signalling a new era where commercial enterprises play an integral role in modern warfare strategies.
