Israel in discussion with SpaceX to roll out Starlink in conflict zones, use it to fight Hamas

Israeli officials are in a discussion with SpaceX, to bring Starlink internet services to the region, with a particular focus on communities located near conflict zones. This was announced by a high-ranking Israeli official on Tuesday. The main objective of the move is to help IDF troops in fighting Hamas.

Currently, Starlink, a satellite-based internet service provided by SpaceX, is not available in Israel. If these discussions bear fruit, it will mark the first time the Starlink service is introduced in any capacity within the country.

One of the primary objectives of this initiative is to enhance Israel’s communication capabilities during periods of conflict. In a related move, Israeli authorities are also exploring the possibility of temporarily halting cellular and internet communications in the Gaza Strip, according to the same official.

Israel’s Minister of Communications, Shlomo Karhi, disclosed, “The activity of coordinating the Israeli company Starlink is taking place, enabling the operation of communication terminals by the company SpaceX, which will allow a wide broadband internet connection in Israel. Additionally, under the guidance of the minister, the ministry promotes the purchase of these satellite devices for the benefit of regional councils and community leaders in conflict zone settlements.”

Minister Karhi’s statement follows a series of events, including a recent brutal assault by Hamas, the Palestinian group controlling the Gaza Strip, on Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 1,400 lives, primarily civilian Israelis. In response, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza, leading to the loss of over 2,800 Palestinian lives, also primarily civilians.

The ongoing conflict shows no sign of abating, and the revelation that satellite-based internet services can provide a crucial communication lifeline during such periods was highlighted after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukrainian forces notably relied on Starlink to maintain vital communications.

However, the role that Starlink plays in conflict situations remains a topic of debate. Earlier this year, it was revealed that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk declined a request to activate the service for Ukraine before a planned attack on Russia’s navy. Musk explained that he never authorized its use, stating, “If I had agreed to their request, then SpaceX would be explicitly complicit in a major act of war and conflict escalation.”

As of now, it remains uncertain when the Starlink service might become operational in Israel and how many initial users it will serve. Additionally, it is unclear whether these satellite terminals would be purchased directly from SpaceX, possibly through its Starshield defense-focused business unit.