Former Israeli PM claims Starlink devices were secretly sent into Iran

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has claimed that Israel secretly smuggled thousands of Starlink satellite internet devices into Iran as part of an effort to support anti government protests.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has claimed that Israel secretly smuggled thousands of Starlink satellite internet devices into Iran as part of an effort to support anti government protests. Speaking at a policy conference in Jerusalem, Bennett said the operation was designed to help demonstrators stay connected during internet shutdowns imposed by Iranian authorities.

According to Bennett, the plan was launched during his time in office between 2021 and 2022. He said the objective was to build a communication network that would allow protesters to continue using the internet and social media even if the Iranian government blocked public access. Bennett argued that such a system could have helped opposition groups organise more effectively during periods of unrest.

Starlink is a satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX. Because it relies on satellites rather than local internet infrastructure, the service can provide connectivity in areas where conventional networks are unavailable or have been shut down. Iran has previously accused both Israel and the United States of secretly bringing Starlink equipment into the country to undermine its security. Although the service is not officially licensed to operate in Iran, Musk has previously stated that Starlink is active there.

Bennett said the plan was never fully completed because the current Israeli government stopped the project after he left office. He criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, claiming it failed to continue building the communication network before major protests took place in Iran. According to Bennett, the absence of that infrastructure limited the ability of demonstrators to organise when widespread protests later broke out.

The Israeli government did not immediately respond to Bennett’s remarks. SpaceX also did not issue any public comment following the claims.

Iran has repeatedly restricted internet access during periods of political unrest. Authorities have used nationwide internet shutdowns during large demonstrations as well as throughout the recent conflict involving the United States and Israel. These restrictions have made communication difficult for protesters, journalists and ordinary citizens seeking access to independent information.

Previous reports have indicated that some Iranians managed to use Starlink during internet blackouts despite official restrictions. Satellite based internet has increasingly been viewed as an alternative way to maintain communication when governments block traditional online services.

Bennett also used his speech to outline his broader approach toward Iran if he were to return to power. He said he would continue efforts aimed at weakening the Iranian government through measures that stop short of direct military action. He suggested that economic pressure and industrial disruption could be used to increase pressure on Tehran while avoiding a wider conflict.

The former prime minister currently leads a right wing political party and is considered one of several opposition figures seeking to challenge Netanyahu in the next Israeli election, which is expected by October. His latest comments have added another political dimension to the ongoing debate over Israel’s strategy toward Iran and the future direction of relations between the two longtime regional rivals.