Microsoft pulls the plug on Israel—and shoots itself in the foot

 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/b10xzudrxg

Microsoft, the world’s second most valuable public company, recently took the unprecedented decision to disable Azure cloud and AI services for Israel’s military intelligence, known as Unit 8200.  

The decision was applauded by BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) activists, who have long sought to drive companies out of Israel to demonize and delegitimize the world's only Jewish state. The “No Azure for Apartheid” campaign declared victory and vowed to intensify pressure until Microsoft ends all “complicity in the Israeli economy of genocide, occupation, and apartheid.” 

Microsoft insists that its standards apply universally, regardless of geography. Yet, this appears to be the first time the company has unilaterally suspended services to a government under its own policies. (Microsoft restricted services in Russia, but only when legally required by government sanctions—not voluntarily based on any human rights assessments).

This decision singling out Israel stands in stark contrast to Microsoft’s operations in countries with troubling human rights records, from China’s persecution of Muslims and Christians to South Africa’s rampant crime and policing failures. If Microsoft has curtailed services in those markets based on human rights concerns, such actions remain largely unknown. 

A company with Microsoft’s global influence does not act in a vacuum. By pulling the plug on Israel to appease activists, Microsoft has shot itself in the foot—emboldening further demands and undermining the trust that sustains its business, a precedent that will haunt the company for years to come.