As Israel’s genocide in Gaza deepens, it is crucial to understand how Israel uses artificial intelligence in this genocide. The underlying reason for the deepening of the genocide is the use of AI-based technologies. So, what are these technologies? The AI-based targeting systems Israel uses in its military operations in Gaza are algorithmic models, particularly Lavender and Gospel. These models lead to the mass targeting of civilians. Various reports from 2023 and 2024 indicate that these systems, relying largely on automated data classification, achieve “warfare efficiency” by minimizing human oversight, but also hinder the application of the principles of discrimination and proportionality.
Israel is not alone in its violations of international law based on AI technologies; the US government and US technology companies are supporting it. In this context, Israel’s AI-assisted targeting systems, such as Lavender and Gospel, along with the infrastructure of US technology companies, are being used in the Gaza genocide. It is known that the AI infrastructure Israel uses is supported by cloud computing and data processing projects (Project Nimbus) provided by US-based companies such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. At this point, it appears that not only ethical violations but also accountability have become blurred, and while various groups have accused these companies and governments, no results have been achieved.
The most frightening aspect of AI is currently being experienced in Gaza. Innocent civilians are being targeted by the US and Israeli governments and companies. Unfortunately, there is no structure in place to prevent this. While NGOs and academics are action against these violations, they can do nothing but boycott Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. In other sections, we will examine in detail how AI was used in the genocide, the exact role of the companies in these violations, and the boycott itself. See you in the next section…
Sedanur KARAKOÇ