An investigative report by The Intercept, based on internal documents and emails, has revealed that Amazon Web Services (AWS) provided cloud computing services and advanced artificial intelligence technologies to two leading Israeli arms manufacturers: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Notably, it did so throughout Israel’s two-year war of extermination in 2024 and 2025, during periods of the genocidal state’s extensive air strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Amazon Web Services: supplying cloud computing for Israeli arms suppliers
These transactions are part of a broader framework known as Project Nimbus, which connects cloud providers to the Israeli government and military.
Internal documents and emails showed Amazon’s direct dealings with Rafael and IAI. In particular, the investigation from The Intercept unearthed Amazon’s sale of software services and artificial intelligence packages in 2024 and 2025. This included providing access to advanced language models and machine learning tools available through the AWS platform. The investigation identified that Rafael purchased access to Anthropic’s ‘Claude’ language model, in addition to Amazon Bedrock tools and advanced processing and storage services.
The documents also refer to discounts and special pricing terms. Reports mention a discount of up to 35% for the Israeli Ministry of Defence. This reflected a privileged commercial relationship between Amazon and the Israeli military.
The investigation materials additionally showed that cloud services have reached other problematic Israeli institutions. This included facilities linked to Israel’s nuclear programme and West Bank administration offices. Of course, these are deeply enmeshed in Israel’s military occupation settler colonial practices, illegal under international law.
Cloud computing to arms company pipeline
Arms experts’ reports show that companies such as Rafael and IAI have developed munitions and systems used in the bombing of civilian areas in Gaza. This has included guided missiles such as SPICE guidance kits, Spike missiles, drones (Heron and others), and targeting and intelligence technologies that contribute to the planning of military operations.
Cloud computing and artificial intelligence tools can accelerate image and satellite analysis, the compilation of geographic intelligence databases, and targeting information. Meanwhile, arms companies could use the testing of linguistic models or decision support algorithms to improve targeting accuracy.
The tech-military alliance here raises serious red flags about the link between the provision of digital infrastructure and Israel’s genocide on the ground.
Human rights policies not worth the paper they’re written on
Amazon, like other major technology companies, hold – if only nominally – human rights principles and guidelines.
However, The Intercept noted that the company declined to answer whether it had conducted human rights assessments of its contracts with Israeli arms companies or its provision of services to intelligence and military agencies. It refused to comment on a detailed list of questions.
Rafael, IAI, and the Israeli Ministry of Defence also did not respond to The Intercept’s requests for comment. Their silence exacerbates concerns about a regulatory and ethical vacuum around Israel’s genocide.
International law and human rights expert, and visiting professor at Harvard Law School Ioannis Kalpouzos told The Intercept that:
Amazon’s work with Israeli weapons makers could potentially create liability under international law depending on “whether it is foreseeable that it will lead to the commission of international crimes.”
According to Kalpouzos, it is not necessary for the supplier to have “intent” to “commit genocide” in order for a company to be held liable. It is sufficient that its supply of services could be expected to contribute to acts that constitute international crimes.
Of course, when arms companies are using technological products to improve targeting or surveillance capabilities that have already led to widespread civilian casualties, this exacerbates the problem.
Documenting evidence of Amazon’s complicity
The Israeli government, Google, and Amazon have ostensibly aimed the Nimbus project at modernising the Israel’s cloud infrastructure. However, according to the documents, it includes elements that support the military and intelligence branches and require or facilitate the sale of services to local arms suppliers.
The investigation raises fundamental questions for Amazon and other cloud infrastructure providers. Notably, how do technology companies regulate their relationships with government and military customers? How effective are due diligence mechanisms for protecting human rights?
Documentary evidence points to an actual commercial relationship between AWS and Israeli arms companies. Israel has used these arms firm’s products in military operations that have resulted in civilian casualties. It therefore raises ethical and legal issues that require independent investigation and effective accountability.
Featured image via the Canary
By Alaa Shamali
This post was originally published on Canary.