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The Israeli government has announced a collaboration with Elon Musk’s Starlink to provide satellite internet service across Israel and designated parts of the Gaza Strip.
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said Starlink would function as a secondary network for Israeli government operations and vital infrastructure, with specified utilization in Gaza under Israeli authorization. Karhi shared on X, “We will soon be receiving satellite communication lines from all over the world. This is great and exciting news… Starlink’s entry into Israel will enable advanced satellite communication in routine and during times of emergency.”
In Gaza, Starlink’s use will initially be confined to a medical facility in Rafah, managed by the UAE, with any future expansion subject to Israeli approval. Karhi elaborated, “Units in the Gaza Strip to support humanitarian causes will be approved individually, only after Israeli security forces confirmed it to be an authorized entity with no concern of risk or possibility of endangering national security.”
This agreement marks a progression from Musk’s previous pledge to offer Starlink access to aid organizations in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war. Initially, Karhi expressed concerns over Hamas exploiting the service. However, following Musk’s visit to Israel and subsequent discussions, a November announcement laid the groundwork for Starlink’s introduction in Gaza, mandating Israeli oversight of the service.
