View source for News/Microsoft Disables Some Services for Israel Ministry of Defence

{{News
|seo_title=Microsoft Disables Some Services for Israel Ministry of Defence
|seo_keywords=Microsoft
|image=Microsoft.png
|tags=Microsoft
|date=2025-09-26T10:00:20.000Z
|sources={{NewsSource
|source=Games Industry
|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/microsoft-ceases-and-disables-some-of-its-services-to-israel-ministry-of-defence
|article=News/Microsoft Disables Some Services for Israel Ministry of Defence
}}
|author=Andura
|category=Drama
|content=Microsoft has announced the termination of specific Azure cloud and AI services used by Israel’s Ministry of Defense (IMOD), following internal findings that support parts of an investigative report by The Guardian. The report alleged that a unit within the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) was leveraging Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure to store data and intercepted phone calls obtained through widespread civilian surveillance in Gaza and the West Bank.

In a message to employees, [[Companies/Microsoft|Microsoft]] Vice Chair and President Brad Smith confirmed that the company’s review found evidence consistent with aspects of The Guardian’s claims. “It includes information relating to IMOD consumption of Azure storage capacity in the Netherlands and the use of AI services,” Smith stated.

As a result of these findings, Microsoft has taken action. “We therefore have informed the IMOD of Microsoft's decision to cease and disable specified IMOD subscriptions and their services, including their use of specific cloud storage and AI services and technologies,” Smith explained. He noted that this move was taken to enforce Microsoft's terms of service and ensure its technologies are not employed in mass civilian surveillance.

However, Smith emphasized that the decision is not a complete severing of Microsoft’s ties with Israel. “This choice does not impact the important work Microsoft continues to do to protect the cybersecurity of Israel and other countries in the Middle East, including under the Abraham Accords,” he added.

'''More:'''[[News/Microsoft Partners with LG|Microsoft Partners with LG]]

The move has been welcomed by activists, particularly by the pro-Palestine group No Azure for Apartheid, which has campaigned against Microsoft’s work with the Israeli military. Organizer Hossam Nasr, speaking to The Verge, called the decision “a significant and unprecedented win for the campaign and [its] organising.”

“Within less than a month of our sit-in in Brad Smith's office, Microsoft has taken the significant decision to become the first US tech company to stop the sale of some technologies to the Israeli military since the start of the genocide in Gaza,” Nasr said. Despite the development, Nasr stressed that Microsoft’s broader relationship with the Israeli military remains intact. “This only motivates us more to continue our organising until all of our demands are met, and until Palestine is free.”
}}