Saw it coming
Israel Reacts to Microsoft Ban: "We've Prepared Ourselves"
Following the Tech-Giant boycott IDF intelligence unit admits it prepared itself in advance to this scenario
The IDF stated Thursday that it had prepared in advance for the possibility that Microsoft would cut off access to its cloud services.
According to military sources, Unit 8200 backed up its material ahead of time, preventing any security damage from the company’s move.
The response came following reports in the British Guardian that Microsoft had blocked Unit 8200’s access to certain servers where recordings of Palestinian phone calls were stored.
According to journalist Doron Kadosh of Galei Tzahal radio, the unit had already safeguarded the intelligence stored on Microsoft’s Azure cloud, ensuring continuity of operations despite the cutoff.
The Defense Ministry stressed: “We acted through all required methods to ensure there would be no harm.” Security officials added that as early as two months ago, Microsoft had expressed dissatisfaction with its cooperation with the IDF, warning of the possibility of suspending ties.
The IDF expressed disappointment with Microsoft’s unilateral action. Sources familiar with the matter said the company notified Unit 8200 of its decision without prior discussion, coordination, or agreement.
Last week, Microsoft informed Israeli officials that Unit 8200 had violated the company’s terms of service by using Azure to store intelligence data on millions of Palestinian phone conversations. As a result, Microsoft blocked the Intelligence Directorate’s access to its cloud services and certain AI technologies.
A Guardian investigation revealed that as early as 2022, Unit 8200 uploaded extensive databases of Palestinian phone calls to Microsoft’s cloud. The project was reportedly approved during a 2021 meeting between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the then-head of Unit 8200. According to the investigation, the data was used operationally by the IDF, including in the arrests of suspects and directing strikes during the Gaza war.
Following the report, Microsoft President Brad Smith announced an external investigation into the affair.
He confirmed that access for Unit 8200 had been suspended and reiterated in an internal memo to employees:
“We do not develop technologies for mass surveillance of civilians, nor will we assist in that. This is a principle we have stood by in every country worldwide for over 20 years.”