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Starlink satellite antennas at IFA in Berlin. Slogan: "Available on the entire planet"
Photo: ODD ANDERSEN / AFP
Israel is in talks with Elon Musk's space company SpaceX about unlocking Starlink in the country soon. This was stated by Israel's Minister of Communications, Shlomo Karhi, in a letter to employees of his ministry, which he published on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. Previously, the launch of the satellite internet system in the region was scheduled for 2024, according to SpaceX, but the company has not yet given an exact date.
Kahri also added that the Ministry of Communications will encourage the purchase of Starlink receivers by mayors and settlement leaders "in the settlements on the conflict line." This apparently refers to the area around the Gaza Strip where a possible ground offensive by Israel against the terrorist organization Hamas could be carried out. The Bloomberg news agency quotes from a statement from the ministry that the system is intended to ensure that the settlements along the front line have uninterrupted access to the Internet.
Starlink is already playing a crucial role in the war in Ukraine. Since the Russian attack, around 42,000 Starlink terminals are said to be in use there. Experts describe the system as a "game changer" in the conflict there and attribute an "important role in grassroots communications and strategic field operations in the wake of the war." However, SpaceX had prohibited the Ukrainians from using the system for offensive operations. In addition, SpaceX founder Elon Musk complained in the meantime about the high costs that would arise - according to Musk around 20 million dollars per month. Since then, the US Department of Defense has been financing the operation of satellite internet in Ukraine.
Gaza's Internet connection to be cut off
In addition to the announcement of the talks with SpaceX, the Minister of Communications announced several measures aimed at improving mobile networks in Israel. Among other things, they want to expand the communication infrastructure in a camp where victims of the Hamas attack are identified, as well as in the center of the small town of Sderot, where many people were killed.
In addition, the minister announced that work was underway to close the offices of the news channel Al Jazeera, which "was used during the war for Hamas propaganda, incitement and damage to state security." In addition, preparations are being made to cut off landline and mobile communications to the Gaza Strip. Until now, Israel has always stated that the communication networks in and around Gaza are essential to warn the civilian population living there of imminent attacks.
Mak