Israel smuggled Starlink systems into Iran, former PM says

Naftali Bennett says ​devices intended to enable protesters to coordinate, ultimately topple ​Iranian government

A former Israeli prime minister acknowledged on Tuesday that Israel had smuggled Starlink internet receivers into Iran ​to help anti-government protesters. though he said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ‌government failed to follow through on the plans.

Naftali Bennett, who served as prime minister in 2021 to 2022, told an audience at the JNS International Policy Summit in ​Jerusalem that he had initiated a "process of acquiring. smuggling into ​Iran tens of thousands of Starlink receivers that would allow ⁠continuity of the internet and social networks".

Starlink, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, provides satellite internet connections. Iran has previously accused Israel and the United States ​of smuggling in the devices to undermine its security. Starlink is not licenced to operate in Iran, but Musk has previously said the service is active there.

Bennett said the ​devices were intended to enable protesters to coordinate and ultimately topple the ​Iranian government.

Read:Iran warns of 'decisive response' to any military aggression at UNSC

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

Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to questions on Bennett’s remarks,. SpaceX was not available for comment outside US business hours.

Iranian authorities have shut down the public’s access to the internet during periods ​of unrest, including ​during deadly nationwide ⁠protests in January. throughout the US and Israeli war with Iran that began at the end of February.

Reuters​has previously reported that some Iranians turned to Starlink during ​internet blackouts.

Bennett, ⁠leader of a right-wing party. one of several opposition politicians vying to replace Netanyahu in an election due by October, said that if he returned ⁠to office ​he would work to undermine Iran's government ​to topple it. That could include measures short of direct military attacks, such ​as economic and industrial sabotage, he said.

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