Google Maps and Waze go offline: Israeli drivers left without live traffic updates

Google has confirmed that it is temporarily disabling live traffic conditions on its mapping service apps, Google Maps and Waze, in Israel. This decision is in response to the country's preparations for a potential ground invasion into Gaza. A spokesperson from Google Maps stated that they have taken this action in consideration of the safety of local communities, a step that they have previously taken in similar conflict situations.

According to a Google spokesperson, the company reached out to regional and local authorities as part of its assessment process. However, Google has not confirmed whether the tools will be deactivated in Israel, Gaza, or both. Additionally, there is no information regarding whether the Israel Defense Forces requested this action. CNN has contacted the IDF for their input.

The website Geektime first reported the news.

Google made a similar move last year after Russia invaded Ukraine, Reuters reported. In Ukraine, Google temporarily disabled real-time vehicle data.

According to Google Maps, individuals who navigate to a particular location will continue to receive routes and estimated times of arrival that consider the current traffic conditions. In 2013, Google acquired the Israeli mapping service Waze and subsequently integrated the teams of both products in 2022.