In the midst of the ongoing war between Israel and the Gaza-based Hamas terror group, Israel is seeking to secure the use of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites as a backup communication system. Talks between Israel and SpaceX were revealed on Tuesday by a government official, coinciding with President Biden’s visit to Israel.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been escalating since a Hamas terror attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,400 Israeli civilians and soldiers, as well as 30 Americans. In response, the Israel Defense Forces are preparing a ground incursion into Gaza and have carried out strikes that have reportedly claimed the lives of at least 2,800 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Israel’s Minister of Communications, Shlomo Karhi, announced that the country is in discussions with SpaceX to purchase Starlink satellite communication terminals. The aim is to ensure internet connectivity in towns located in frontline conflict zones near Israel’s borders with hostile neighbors, such as the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and Lebanon, where Iran-backed Hezbollah has a significant presence and has threatened to join the war on the side of Hamas.
Israeli communities in southern Israel face regular rocket fire from the Gaza Strip, and on October 7, several of these communities were overrun by Hamas. Many civilians were killed, and at least 199 people were abducted into Gaza as hostages by the terror group.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has previously offered the use of the Starlink satellite communications system to provide internet access and connectivity to areas affected by war and natural disasters. Starlink is a constellation of thousands of small, mass-produced satellites that orbit close to Earth and communicate with transceivers on the ground.
This is not the first time Starlink has been deployed in a conflict zone. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the system was used to help maintain communications while Russia degraded and destroyed Ukraine’s infrastructure supporting its internet and communications networks. Starlink has also been utilized by the government, military, and civilians of Ukraine for both humanitarian and military purposes.
Starlink has proven its effectiveness in other crisis situations as well. It was used by Iranian citizens during the government’s crackdown on protests in 2022, and in Tonga following a volcanic eruption that disrupted internet connectivity. In the United States, Starlink played a crucial role in restoring connectivity in Florida after Hurricane Ian and in Maui after devastating wildfires.
While Israel’s discussions with SpaceX are ongoing, the utilization of Starlink satellites could provide a vital lifeline for internet connectivity in Israeli communities near conflict zones. As the conflict with Hamas continues to unfold, the importance of reliable communication systems cannot be overstated.
