Google disables live traffic updates on Maps, Waze apps in Israel, Gaza as ground invasion looms

Google is disabling some features on its Maps and Waze navigation apps in Israel and the Gaza Strip as Israel prepares for a possible ground invasion of Gaza.

The Israeli military asked Google to remove the real-time crowd-sourcing data, which could reveal its military movements, Bloomberg reported Monday. Apple reportedly received a similar request for its app and complied. 

"As we have done previously in conflict situations and in response to the evolving situation in the region, we have temporarily disabled the ability to see live traffic conditions and busyness information out of consideration for the safety of local communities," a Google spokesperson said.

Google made a similar decision after Russia invaded Ukraine last year.

Maps and Waze will still allow drivers to receive estimated arrival times based on live conditions but it will not show real-time traffic, Google said.

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