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Israel forces Google, Amazon to violate its own legal rules
(MENAFN) Israel allegedly compelled Google and Amazon to bypass their own corporate rules under a massive 2021 cloud computing agreement, according to findings from multiple media investigations.
The deal, known as Project Nimbus, is valued at around $1.2 billion and involves the provision of cloud infrastructure for the Israeli government. Reports indicate that the contract prevents both companies from limiting Israel’s access to their services — even if such use contradicts their usual terms of operation.
The revelations come amid intense international criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which left over 1,200 people dead. Several human rights organizations and UN officials have accused Israel of committing genocide during its ongoing offensive.
According to the leaked documents, the contract also obliges Google and Amazon to secretly alert Israeli authorities through what’s described as a “winking mechanism” whenever a foreign court or government requests access to Israeli data stored in the cloud.
This so-called “wink” reportedly takes the form of a payment ranging between 1,000 and 9,999 shekels, corresponding to the international dialing code of the country making the request. The system allegedly enables the companies to indirectly inform Israel of confidential third-party data inquiries, effectively bypassing standard legal disclosure rules.
Additionally, both firms could face substantial financial penalties if they terminate or restrict cloud services to Israel. The agreement allows the government to “make use of any service” offered by the companies, provided it does not contravene Israeli law, infringe copyright, or involve reselling technology.
This clause reportedly serves to shield Israel from potential disruptions caused by internal dissent within the tech giants, such as boycotts or protests from employees, investors, or activists who oppose their involvement in government projects linked to the conflict.
The deal, known as Project Nimbus, is valued at around $1.2 billion and involves the provision of cloud infrastructure for the Israeli government. Reports indicate that the contract prevents both companies from limiting Israel’s access to their services — even if such use contradicts their usual terms of operation.
The revelations come amid intense international criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which left over 1,200 people dead. Several human rights organizations and UN officials have accused Israel of committing genocide during its ongoing offensive.
According to the leaked documents, the contract also obliges Google and Amazon to secretly alert Israeli authorities through what’s described as a “winking mechanism” whenever a foreign court or government requests access to Israeli data stored in the cloud.
This so-called “wink” reportedly takes the form of a payment ranging between 1,000 and 9,999 shekels, corresponding to the international dialing code of the country making the request. The system allegedly enables the companies to indirectly inform Israel of confidential third-party data inquiries, effectively bypassing standard legal disclosure rules.
Additionally, both firms could face substantial financial penalties if they terminate or restrict cloud services to Israel. The agreement allows the government to “make use of any service” offered by the companies, provided it does not contravene Israeli law, infringe copyright, or involve reselling technology.
This clause reportedly serves to shield Israel from potential disruptions caused by internal dissent within the tech giants, such as boycotts or protests from employees, investors, or activists who oppose their involvement in government projects linked to the conflict.
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