Microsoft Acknowledges Role in Israeli Military Operations Amid Conflict
On May 15, Microsoft confirmed its provision of advanced artificial intelligence and cloud computing services to the Israeli military during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The tech giant emphasized that its technologies were not used to inflict harm, as it conducted an internal review alongside an external assessment regarding their use in the war, which has seen significant casualties on both sides.
In its statement, Microsoft outlined its support to the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD), which includes providing software, professional services, Azure cloud capabilities, and AI solutions, including language translation. The company’s engagement with the Israeli government reflects its commitment to aiding various nations in safeguarding their cyber infrastructure against external threats.
This acknowledgment marks a crucial moment for Microsoft, following revelations from The Associated Press about its close ties with the Israeli military, particularly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that led to the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and tens of thousands of Palestinians. Microsoft reported a staggering increase in military use of its commercial AI products, nearly 200 times, after the outbreak of hostilities.
While the company maintained that it operates under a standard commercial relationship—with IMOD adhering to its policies and terms of service—it did note occasional instances where it grants special access to its technologies. Microsoft provided limited emergency support to locate and rescue hostages after the conflict escalated but refrained from detailing how exactly the Israeli military employs its technologies.
Ultimately, Microsoft asserted it lacks visibility into the specific applications of its software on customer servers, which limits its oversight regarding the use of its products in military contexts.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
