Confidential documents obtained by the Washington Post have revealed extensive technological collaboration between Google and Israeli defense forces since the outbreak of war in October 2023. The internal papers detail how Google employees worked intensively to provide the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Ministry of Defense with advanced technological solutions, including the company's Vertex AI platform, which enables the development and deployment of sophisticated data analysis algorithms.
The technologies provided by Google to the defense establishment served various purposes, including analyzing vast amounts of data, processing intelligence, and identifying potential battlefield targets. One prominently featured system, called "Habsora" (The Gospel), provides rapid and precise target mapping based on intelligence information, satellite imagery, and additional data sources - methods that effectively enhance operational capabilities and enable faster decision-making.
The collaboration has sparked significant internal controversy. During 2023 and 2024, employees expressed concerns about the use of company technologies for security purposes, arguing it "could lead to human rights violations." According to the report, over 50 employees were terminated in 2023 after publicly opposing the Nimbus contract, and in summer 2024, more than 100 employees signed a petition calling on company leadership to reassess its involvement in the project.
The foundation for this cooperation lies in the Nimbus contract, signed in 2021, which aims to upgrade Israel's government cloud systems and enable the use of advanced technological infrastructure across various domains, including national security. Since the beginning of fighting in Gaza, the Ministry of Defense has reportedly sought to expand its use of Google's advanced services, with documents emphasizing the strategic importance of the technology for defense system needs.
Google's management has maintained that the contract is not intended for sensitive military applications or areas directly related to combat. Company spokespersons emphasized that Google is committed to responsible technology use and that all actions are evaluated according to international standards and the company's organizational values.
The revelations have highlighted the growing tension between Silicon Valley's technological capabilities and employee activism, particularly regarding the deployment of artificial intelligence in military contexts. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been reported outside Google's California offices, reflecting broader societal debates about tech companies' role in global conflicts.
Walla! contributed to this article.
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