Microsoft removes its Israel chief over IDF’s controversial use of Azure cloud

Microsoft has reportedly removed its Israel Country General Manager Alon Haimovich following an internal review into allegations that the company’s Azure cloud platform was used unethically by Israel Defence Force (IDF).

The move comes after Microsoft reportedly initiated an internal review last year into its dealings with Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate, particularly Unit 8200. The probe followed a report in The Guardian and 972+ Magazine, which alleged that Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform was used to store large volumes of mobile phone call recordings of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

In September, Microsoft reportedly restricted parts of the Israeli military’s access to certain cloud services, citing concerns over the use of its Azure platform for mass surveillance and potential violations of the company’s terms of service. 

Haimovich, who served as Israel’s General Manager for four years, was recently summoned by an investigative team led by Microsoft’s global leadership. The investigation focused on possible breaches of the company’s code of ethics, amid concerns that the Israel subsidiary may not have been fully transparent with headquarters about how Unit 8200 was using its cloud infrastructure and technology systems, as per reports.

Despite the controversy, Microsoft has a long-standing presence in Israel, operating major development centres in cities like Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Nazareth. With around 3,000 employees, the company is deeply involved in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, big data, healthcare, as well as sales and marketing operations. The company opened a local branch in Israel in 1989, and established its first R&D centre in Israel.