The Israeli army, known as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), are also relying on cloud services — Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure to carry out their operations in Gaza. The findings emerged from an investigation by Israeli news organizations +972 Magazine and Local Call, which have pulled back the curtain on the vast array of this sort of tech used in battle.
The IDF primarily relies on AWS to store a massive amount of surveillance data on Gaza’s population. This includes billions of audio files and other intelligence data. Occasionally, this information has been used to confirm aerial strikes, which have led to civilian casualties. While critical data remains on government systems, the cloud’s expansive storage capabilities have proven essential.
An Israeli intelligence source described Amazon’s cloud as “endless storage,” emphasizing its capacity to provide information on surveillance targets not covered by traditional army servers. This capability allows for more comprehensive data gathering and operational planning.
The IDF also employs AI tools from Google and Microsoft for military purposes. Historically, Microsoft was Israel’s primary cloud provider, but the landscape shifted with the 2021 Project Nimbus contract. This $1.2 billion deal, led by AWS and including Google, was initially intended for non-classified data. However, the start of the war saw these restrictions eased, leading to a surge in cloud service procurement from these tech giants.
Project Nimbus has been controversial from the beginning. Employees at Google and Amazon protested the contract, but these services have now become integral to Israel’s military operations. The government is also developing Project Sirius, aiming to move more classified data to a secure cloud facility.
The conflict in Gaza escalated in October following an attack by Hamas, resulting in significant casualties and widespread destruction. The subsequent Israeli offensive has drawn international scrutiny and condemnation, with reports from the University Network for Human Rights accusing Israel of genocidal acts. The United Nations has called for an immediate halt to military operations, especially in southern Gaza, where displaced Palestinians have sought refuge.
Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have faced ethical questions regarding their involvement. Amazon stated its commitment to providing cloud technology benefits globally while ensuring employee safety and supporting humanitarian relief efforts.
This development underscores the profound impact of cloud technology on modern warfare and raises important questions about the ethical responsibilities of tech companies in conflict zones.
