(Photo by Viktor Fridshon/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
Israel is following Ukraine in tapping SpaceX’s Starlink to supply wartime communications.
Israel Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi today mentioned the plan on Twitter/X as the country faces a war with Hamas. Bloomberg was first to report the news.
According to Karhi, the Israeli government is working with SpaceX to supply satellite-based broadband to local users via Starlink. The tweet adds that the Communication Ministry will “promote the acquisition of these satellite devices for the benefit of regional councils and community leaders in conflict zone settlements."
SpaceX has yet to officially launch Starlink in Israel. So the cooperation appears to be the first time the satellite internet service will be used in the country.
Karhi released the statement as Israel is trying to ensure the country’s communication infrastructure remains intact as it prepares to launch a ground siege of the Gaza Strip in an effort to eliminate Hamas. At the same time, Israel is looking at "closing cellular communication and internet to Gaza," Karhi said in a separate tweet.
Starlink uses orbiting satellites to relay high-speed internet to users on the ground. Last year, SpaceX moved fast to send thousands of Starlink units to Ukraine following the Russian invasion. The technology has become indispensable in supplying broadband to both Ukrainian civilians and troops along the frontlines of the war. However, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has faced criticism for restricting the Ukrainian’s military use of Starlink to counter Russia’s invasion.
SpaceX didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, making the company’s arrangement with Israel unclear, including who will pay for it.