Overview

• Microsoft said it suspended and disabled a subset of Azure storage and AI services assigned to a unit of Israel’s Ministry of Defense after an urgent review.
• Brad Smith said the inquiry supported elements of investigative reporting, including IMOD’s use of Azure capacity in the Netherlands and Microsoft AI tools.
• The company notified Israeli authorities of the restrictions and did not publicly name the unit affected, citing customer confidentiality.
• Microsoft stated the move does not affect its cybersecurity work for Israel or other projects in the Middle East.
• An Israeli security official told the AP the step would not harm operational capabilities, while Microsoft employees who protested the contracts called the action partial and the external review continues.