Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says thousands of Starlink terminals were secretly sent into Iran to support anti-government protests, revealing a previously undisclosed operation with major geopolitical implications.
A former Israeli prime minister has publicly acknowledged that Israel smuggled Starlink internet devices into Iran to help anti-government protesters stay connected during internet shutdowns.
Speaking in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Naftali Bennett said the operation aimed to provide secure internet access for activists, though he criticized the current government for failing to complete the project.
KEY DETAILS
Bennett, who served as Israel’s prime minister from 2021 to 2022, told attendees at the JNS International Policy Summit that he launched a program to acquire and secretly move “tens of thousands” of Starlink receivers into Iran.
The devices, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, provide satellite internet access and can function independently of local telecom networks.
According to Bennett, the goal was to ensure internet and social media access during periods of unrest, allowing protesters to organize and communicate. He said the infrastructure could have played a key role in efforts to challenge Iran’s leadership.
“Unfortunately, the current incompetent Israeli government stopped doing that,” Bennett said, arguing that the project was never fully implemented before major protests erupted.
Iran has long accused Israel and the United States of smuggling Starlink equipment into the country. Although Starlink is not officially licensed to operate in Iran, Musk has previously stated that the service is active there.
WHY IT MATTERS
For traders, any escalation involving Israel and Iran can influence energy prices, safe-haven assets, and broader market sentiment. Developments affecting communications infrastructure and political stability in Iran may also draw attention from investors monitoring regional risks.
Bennett’s remarks offer a rare glimpse into a covert effort aimed at supporting Iranian protesters through satellite internet access. Market participants will now watch for responses from Israel, Iran, SpaceX, and other officials as the story develops.
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Source: Reuters
Time: 4:38 PM EEST
