AI Warfare: US Tech Giants Powering Israel's Military Operations

US tech giants like Microsoft and OpenAI have empowered Israel to track and eliminate militants using AI and cloud computing. However, civilian casualties have increased amid fears of misuse. The Israeli military's use of AI technology intensified after an attack by Hamas, raising ethical concerns about AI in warfare.

US tech giants, including Microsoft and OpenAI, have quietly enabled Israel to enhance its military operations through advanced AI and computing services. This development has accelerated Israel's ability to track and target alleged militants in Gaza and Lebanon.

The usage of commercial AI models, particularly from the US, has marked a significant shift in warfare, propelling Israel's response capabilities following a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. However, this escalation in military efficiency has coincided with a substantial increase in civilian casualties, prompting fears about the ethical implications of AI in conflict scenarios.

An investigation by the Associated Press reveals that the intensified reliance on AI tools, such as Microsoft Azure and OpenAI's models, accompanies concerns about faulty data and algorithmic errors, which may have dire consequences. Despite such risks, Israeli military officials assert the technology's role in reducing civilian harm, while critics worry about its unethical application in warfare.

(With inputs from agencies.)