Oracle—Oracle expanded Israeli government and military ties during Gaza conflict with $10B investment and defense partnerships
Throughout 2024, during Israel's military operations in Gaza, Oracle significantly deepened its engagement with the Israeli government and military. In February, Oracle donated $500,000 in supplies to IDF soldiers. In March, following meetings between Oracle CEO Safra Catz and Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant, founder Larry Ellison announced plans to invest $10 billion in computing facilities and "large AI centers" in Israel. In October, Oracle announced a partnership with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, one of Israel's largest defense contractors, on an AI project to provide "warfighters with quick, actionable insights in the battlespace."
Scoring Impact
| Topic | Direction | Relevance | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authoritarian Compliance | +toward | secondary | -0.50 |
| Military & Defense Contracts | +toward | primary | -1.00 |
| Overall incident score = | -0.826 | ||
Score = avg(topic contributions) × significance (high ×1.5) × confidence (0.73)
Evidence (3 signals)
Partnered with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems on AI for 'warfighters in the battlespace'
In fall 2024, Oracle announced a partnership with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, one of Israel's largest defense companies, on an AI project to provide 'warfighters with quick, actionable insights in the battlespace.' Rafael is a state-owned company that manufactures the Iron Dome missile defense system and other weapons used in Israel's military operations.
Announced $10 billion Israel investment after meetings with Netanyahu and defense minister
In March 2024, Oracle CTO Larry Ellison announced plans to invest $10 billion in computing facilities in Israel in 2025, including 'large AI centers.' This followed Oracle CEO Safra Catz's January 2024 meetings with PM Netanyahu, President Herzog, and Defense Minister Gallant, where she announced plans for a second underground data center. Oracle has collaborated with IDF's Unit 81 on procurement systems and hosted hackathons with the military 'to find tech solutions for rehabilitating Israeli settlements near Gaza.'
Donated $500,000 in supplies to IDF soldiers during Gaza military operations
In February 2024, Oracle announced the company donated bags with medical and environmental supplies to Israeli soldiers, valued at half a million dollars. This came during Israel's military operations in Gaza following October 7, 2023. CEO Safra Catz demanded 'Oracle Stands with Israel' be displayed on all company screens in 180+ countries and stated: 'if you're not for America or Israel, don't work here.'