The Role of Tech startup in Israeli Atrocities

This period marks not only one of the most violent and tragic chapters in recent Palestinian history but also a critical juncture in the convergence of cutting-edge technology and militarized political agendas. Mounting evidence suggests that leading tech firms—from Silicon Valley to Tel Aviv are actively involved in the design, development, and execution of Israel’s military operations, far beyond the mere supply of digital tools.

AI and Big Data in the Service of War

U.S.-based Palantir Technologies, renowned for its capabilities in big data analytics and machine learning, has developed AI-powered tools that assist the Israeli military in identifying, prioritizing, and automatically targeting objectives. These systems have reportedly been used in both air and ground operations, including assaults on residential areas, schools, hospitals, and refugee shelters in Gaza.

GPT-4 and Strategic Support for Israel

OpenAI, in partnership with Microsoft, has reportedly provided access to its GPT-4 language model via cloud infrastructure to the Israeli military. According to public reports, this advanced model has been used for intelligence analysis, target classification, intercepted communications interpretation, and behavioral prediction of resistance forces directly aiding military decision-making in offensive operations.

Despite OpenAI’s prior claims of restricting its technologies from being used in weaponry or harmful applications, the company revised its policy in 2023 to allow deployment in “national security” contexts, effectively greenlighting military usage.

Project Nimbus, a highly controversial joint venture between Google and Amazon launched in 2021, has provided cloud and AI services to Israel’s military and intelligence agencies. These services have been instrumental in processing surveillance data and supporting operations in the occupied territories. Widespread protests by employees at both companies have yet to bring an end to their participation in the project.

Other tech giants including Cisco, Dell, and IBM have also played substantial roles in bolstering Israel’s cyber and military infrastructure. Their contributions include surveillance systems, network equipment, and advanced cloud services, notably deployed in urban military projects like “David’s Fortress,” designed for rapid-response operations and population control.

Silence and Accountability

Despite international calls for transparency, only Palantir has issued a formal response regarding its involvement. Major firms such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI have remained silent. This lack of accountability has raised deep concerns among human rights organizations about the ethical responsibilities of these companies and their complicity in alleged war crimes.

A Call for International Oversight

The growing integration of high-tech solutions in modern warfare calls into question the neutrality of technology itself. As these tools become increasingly aligned with military and political agendas, the absence of independent oversight mechanisms poses significant risks. Today’s wars are not only waged on the ground but increasingly shaped by servers, algorithms, and AI models controlled by private corporations.

The urgent need for internationally binding frameworks to regulate and monitor the use of AI and cloud technologies in conflict zones has never been greater. Without such measures, the unchecked power of tech giants could further escalate humanitarian crises and human rights violations around the world.

About the author: Fateme Moradkhani covers technology, surveillance, and AI ethics for Borna News Agency, with a focus on global cyber power and digital militarization.

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