Former Israeli PM Says Starlink Devices Were Smuggled Into Iran for Protesters

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Israel previously smuggled thousands of Starlink satellite internet devices into Iran to help anti-government protesters maintain internet access during periods of unrest.

Speaking at the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem, Bennett said the operation was launched during his time in office between 2021 and 2022. According to Bennett, the goal was to create a communication network that could remain active even if Iranian authorities shut down public internet services.

He claimed the project involved acquiring and secretly transferring tens of thousands of Starlink receivers into Iran to support protesters and social media communication.

Bennett Criticizes Netanyahu Government

Bennett accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of failing to continue the effort after he left office. He said the infrastructure was not fully developed when protests later intensified inside Iran.

Iran has repeatedly accused Israel and the United States of attempting to use Starlink technology to weaken government control and support opposition movements. Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is not officially licensed to operate in Iran, although the service has reportedly been used during internet blackouts.

Iranian authorities have frequently restricted internet access during nationwide protests and periods of political tension, including during recent conflicts involving the United States and Israel.

Starlink Became Alternative During Internet Shutdowns

Reports over the past several years suggested that some Iranians relied on Starlink connections when local internet access was blocked by authorities.

During his speech, Bennett argued that Israel and regional allies should continue working together against Iran’s government, which he described as weak and increasingly disconnected from the public.

The Israeli government and SpaceX did not immediately comment on Bennett’s remarks.