AI Support Following October 2023 Attacks
Internal documents reveal that Google Cloud provided the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Defense Ministry with artificial intelligence (AI) technology during the Israel-Gaza war. According to a report by The Washington Post, this assistance occurred in the weeks following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.
The documents indicate that a Google employee escalated requests from Israel’s Defense Ministry for expanded access to Google’s AI tools. In particular, the ministry sought increased use of Google’s Vertex AI, a platform enabling customers to apply advanced AI algorithms to their data. One document suggested that, if Google denied the request, the work could be redirected to Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Details on Vertex AI and Google’s Involvement
Google’s Vertex AI platform allows organizations to build, train, and deploy machine learning models. While the documents do not specify how the IDF used this technology, a mid-November 2023 memo showed internal gratitude between employees for fulfilling these requests. By November 2024, the IDF was still using Google’s services and had requested access to Google’s Gemini AI for developing an AI assistant to process documents and audio.
Nimbus Cloud Project and Past Controversy
Google’s relationship with the Israeli government extends beyond the recent conflict. In April 2021, Google and AWS were awarded the $1.2 billion Nimbus contract to provide cloud services to the Israeli government. The agreement included provisions preventing service termination to any specific department.
This project faced significant internal backlash, with employees from both Google and AWS protesting the contract. In response, Google terminated more than 50 employees who were involved in these protests.
Statements from Israeli Officials
During a 2024 conference, Gaby Portnoy, Director General of the Israeli National Cyber Directorate, acknowledged the importance of cloud technologies during the conflict. He remarked, “Thanks to the Nimbus public cloud, phenomenal things are happening during the fighting. These things play a significant part in the victory – I will not elaborate.”
Broader Context: Use of Cloud and AI in the Conflict
Reports from April 2024 revealed that AWS was used to store surveillance data on Gaza’s population. Both Microsoft and Google also provided AI tools, though specifics on their applications remain unclear. The Washington Post’s report adds further context to the role of AI and cloud services in modern warfare.
Ceasefire and Casualty Figures
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza was reached on January 15, 2025. Since the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023, an estimated 46,707 Palestinians have been killed, according to Al Jazeera.
FAQ
1. What is Google Vertex AI, and how is it used?
Google Vertex AI is a platform that enables users to build, train, and deploy machine learning models. It allows organizations to process and analyze data more efficiently. In this case, it was reportedly used by the Israeli Defense Ministry during the conflict.
2. What is the Nimbus cloud project?
Nimbus is a $1.2 billion cloud services contract awarded to Google and AWS to support the Israeli government. It includes provisions ensuring uninterrupted services to government departments.
3. What role did AI play in the Israel-Gaza conflict?
AI tools, including Google’s Vertex AI and Gemini, were reportedly used for data processing and operational assistance. Specific details on their applications remain undisclosed.
4. Why was the Nimbus contract controversial?
The contract faced criticism due to ethical concerns about providing cloud services to the Israeli government, particularly in the context of surveillance and conflict. Employee protests led to dismissals at Google.
5. What were the casualty figures during the conflict?
According to Al Jazeera, 46,707 Palestinians were killed between October 7, 2023, and January 15, 2025.
