Microsoft Protest Sparks Police Intervention Over Alleged Ties With Israeli Military
Microsoft called local police to intervene after a group of protesters entered its Redmond, Washington headquarters, opposing the company’s reported involvement with the Israeli military during the Gaza conflict.
The demonstration was led by current and former employees connected to the group No Azure for Apartheid, who staged a sit-in inside the office of Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president. The protesters attempted to deliver a court summons notice, while also placing hidden cell phones and recording devices around the office, according to the company.
Brad Smith later told reporters that while employees are free to express their opinions, crossing boundaries such as forcibly occupying spaces, blocking staff, or planting devices is unacceptable. “When they refused to leave, the Redmond police had no choice but to escort them out,” he said, confirming that two of the seven individuals were Microsoft employees.
The protesters demanded Microsoft sever ties with Israel, accusing the company of enabling military operations in Gaza. Reports earlier this year suggested Israel’s military had used Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure for surveillance of Palestinian communications, prompting Microsoft to launch a third-party investigation into the claims.
While Microsoft maintains that its primary work with Israel involves cybersecurity, Smith emphasized the company’s responsibility to ensure its technology is used ethically. He added that Microsoft remains concerned both for victims of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and for civilians in Gaza suffering from the ongoing war.
This protest follows a growing wave of dissent targeting major tech firms over defense and AI-related contracts. Google faced similar unrest last year, firing 28 employees after they disrupted operations in opposition to Israeli government deals.
Despite the backlash, Microsoft insists it will continue providing technology under ethical guidelines, balancing global security needs with human rights considerations.
