Satellite internet is one of the top answers for hard-to-reach areas, and Israel is now looking to bring Starlink to service locations near conflict zones amid the Hamas War. Starlink is not yet available in Israel, and this latest announcement points out that the country is discussing it with SpaceX, the company Elon Musk owns, for its future availability.
The satellite internet service from Starlink promises no terrestrial connections needed to access the web at high speeds, offering an excellent answer to areas with connection problems.
Israel Aims to Bring Starlink to Areas Near Conflict Zones
As revealed by Israel's Minister of Communications, Shlomo Karhi, via X, the country is now looking to secure Starlink for its needs, using its satellites to provide internet connections to the country.
"An activity is taking place to coordinate the company 'Starlink' in Israel so that it will be possible to operate satellite communication terminals of the company 'Space-X', which will allow connection to broadband Internet in Israel," said Karhi via X's translation of the Hebrew post.
It was reported that Starlink would be provided in areas near the conflict zones.
"Also, under the guidance of the minister, the ministry promotes the purchase of these satellite devices for the benefit of mayors and heads of settlements in the conflict line settlements," Karhi added.
SpaceX's Starlink has already been deployed in Ukraine a few months after Russia invaded it in February 2022.
The Israel and Hamas War: What Is Happening?
According to TechCrunch, this follows a week after Hamas launched an attack against Israel, resulting in 1,400 casualties, with the Israelis countering via airstrikes in Gaza, also taking out 2,800 civilians.
While both parties show hostility against the other, there seem to be no signs that the conflict and tension are winding down.
Satellite Internet for Conflicted Countries
It seems to be the first time Israel will rely on Starlink satellite internet. In October 2022, Starlink reached Ukraine and offered its services to the war-torn country.
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister, thanked Elon Musk and the SpaceX team for offering their services to the country as they were left without internet connections in dangerous areas and those under Russian occupation.
However, it became controversial as it was revealed in Walter Isaacson's biography about Elon Musk that the SpaceX CEO had hands in preventing an attack by Ukraine. Detailing the event, Isaacson claimed that Musk intercepted a supposed attack by Ukraine against Russia by shutting down Starlink.
Using Starlink is a double-edged sword for Ukraine because, at one point, it offered them a chance to have strong communications technology. On the other hand, it also prevented them from proceeding with their intent.
It is unknown how SpaceX's Starlink would play a role in the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but its presence would surely bring internet connections beaming down from its satellites.
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