Israel is moving to green-light Starlink deployment within the week, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk. The aim is to strengthen the country’s telecommunications as a military offensive continues in the Gaza Strip.
Bloomberg reports, citing Elad Malka, deputy director of the Ministry of Communications, that the sale of Starlink terminals will be restricted to official organizations. The government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to use the service to improve cross-border connectivity and support ongoing security operations against Hamas, the Palestinian group that carried out a surprise assault in Israel on October 7, resulting in significant loss of life and disruption across the country. The broader conflict has seen intensive Israeli air and ground actions in Gaza, with casualties rising well into the tens of thousands.
Defense officials indicate Israel is considering Starlink as a strategic tool for the duration of what could become a protracted conflict through 2024. To this end, the military and relevant ministries have moved quickly to process licensing for SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company responsible for the satellite network. The move reflects a broader effort to ensure resilient communications for military, governmental, and critical operations during heightened tensions.
blockade in Gaza
Starlink access will not be extended to humanitarian aid organizations or workers in the besieged areas, at least for now. The arrangement requires approval from Israel’s defense establishment before NGOs in the occupied Palestinian territories can gain entry to the service. In late November, Musk drew criticism from Netanyahu’s coalition by suggesting the satellite network should be available to NGOs that have recognizably international status. Within a few weeks, a concession was reached to provide Starlink to Israel, but the service remains paused for many humanitarian uses while security concerns are weighed. The blockade aims to prevent potential misuse by armed groups, as Israeli defense forces remain wary of implications if the network is activated in contested zones.
Musk’s visit to Israel was also framed as a public relations engagement. Meetings with senior political leaders accompanied his broader effort to present a cooperative stance on technology and security. Critics have pointed to past controversial statements on social media and the potential reputational impact for Musk and his companies, particularly as brands assess advertising and corporate alignment in light of those remarks. These dynamics underscore the intersection of technology, geopolitics, and business strategy in a volatile regional context. The evolving stance on Starlink highlights how modern communications infrastructure can become a strategic asset in times of crisis, while also raising questions about humanitarian access, alliance realignment, and the governance of global networks in conflict zones. [citation]