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Israel is in discussions with SpaceX to launch Starlink internet services, especially to communities near the conflict zone, an Israeli official said on Tuesday.
Starlink is not currently available in Israel, so this will be the first time the service will be launched in any capacity. As it seeks to strengthen its own communications during the war, it is also considering blocking cell and internet communications in Gaza, the same official said.
Israel’s Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said, “The coordination activity of the Israeli company Starlink is taking place, which will enable the operation of communications terminals by the company Space-X, which will allow widespread broadband Internet connections in Israel.” Said on X. “Additionally, under the guidance of the Minister, the Ministry promotes the procurement of these satellite equipment for the benefit of regional councils and community leaders in conflict zone settlements.”
Karhi’s statement came a week after a brutal attack on Israel by Hamas, the Palestinian group that controls the Gaza Strip, killed more than 1,400 mostly civilian Israelis. That attack was followed by days of retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza, killing more than 2,800 Palestinians – mostly civilians.
There is no sign that the war will end soon. The revelation that satellite-based internet provides a significant edge during conflict became prominent shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, when Ukrainian forces relied on Starlink to maintain communications.
But Starlink’s role in the conflict has not been decided. Earlier this year, it was revealed that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk had refused to activate the service when Ukraine requested it ahead of a planned attack on Russia’s navy. he later said that he had never authorized its use, and that, “If I had agreed to their request, SpaceX would clearly have been involved in a major act of escalating war and conflict.”
It’s not clear when that service will come online or how many users it will initially have. TechCrunch has reached out to the Israeli government and will update the story if a representative responds. It is also unclear whether these terminals will be purchased directly from SpaceX, through its Starshield defense-focused business unit.
