Intel’s Operations in Israel and Their Controversial Historical Roots

In an article revisiting Intel’s ties with Israel, the author sheds light on the tech giant’s significant operations within the country, particularly its largest plant in Kiryat Gat. Established in 1954, Kiryat Gat was built over the ruins of Palestinian villages Iraq al-Manshiya and al-Faluja, which were occupied during the 1948 Nakba. Despite Intel’s substantial presence in Israel, the company has faced criticism due to its involvement in the Israeli economy and its alignment with the Zionist project. Intel’s operations in Israel have continued to grow, with additional research centers in Haifa, Petah Tikvah, and Jerusalem. As of 2023, Intel Israel has contributed $86 billion in exports, accounting for a significant portion of Israel’s total exports. The article contrasts Intel’s footprint with that of AMD, which, despite having development centers in Israel, does not operate factories there. It also presents alternative technological paths, such as moving away from the X86 architecture towards more energy-efficient ones like ARM or the open-source RISC-V. The piece critiques the ethical implications of supporting companies with strong ties to Israel while discussing potential alternatives for tech consumers.