Former PM Bennett says Israel smuggled Starlink devices into Iran

A former Israeli Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, has stated that Israel previously smuggled Starlink internet devices into Iran to support anti-government protesters, while also claiming the plan was not fully implemented by the current government.

Speaking at the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem, Bennett said he had initiated efforts to obtain and covertly bring tens of thousands of Starlink receivers into Iran, aimed at maintaining internet access and enabling social media use during unrest, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides satellite-based internet services. Although it is not officially licensed in Iran, it has previously been reported to function there.

Bennett noted that the goal of the plan was to allow protesters to communicate and coordinate more effectively, potentially contributing to political change in Iran.

“Unfortunately, the current incompetent Israeli government stopped doing that,” he said. “And when the protest happened, that infrastructure was not there.”

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the remarks, while SpaceX also did not provide a response.

Iranian authorities have previously restricted internet access during periods of political unrest, including nationwide protests and during the conflict with Israel and the United States that began in late February.

Reports have also indicated that some users in Iran have accessed Starlink services during internet shutdowns.

Bennett, who leads a right-wing political party and is considered a potential contender in upcoming elections, also called for regional cooperation aimed at opposing Iran’s government, saying it would eventually collapse.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov