Microsoft Halts Some Cloud and AI Services Used by Israel's Defense Ministry

Overview

• Microsoft disabled certain Azure and AI services used by a unit of Israel’s Ministry of Defense after an internal review found evidence supporting elements of a media investigation.
• The company says records and usage data showed consumption of Azure storage capacity in the Netherlands and use of AI tools by the ministry unit.
• Microsoft states its policies bar facilitating mass surveillance of civilians and says it has informed the ministry of the suspended and canceled subscriptions.
• The move follows a Guardian report that alleged millions of Palestinians’ phone calls were stored on Azure in Europe to inform operations, while Microsoft says privacy commitments prevent it from accessing customer content.
• Cybersecurity support for Israel and other Middle Eastern countries will continue, as employee protests and advocacy groups call for broader cuts and Israeli officials offer no detailed public response.