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Netanyahu Hands Starlink Device to Iranian Delegation at UN
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Netanyahu Hands Starlink Device to Iranian Delegation at UN
During his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu displayed a portable Starlink satellite-internet kit and said he would leave it with the Iranian delegation. He argued the equipment would let Iranians “access the truth” if they “inevitably defect” and share their story on social media. Israeli envoy Danny Danon attempted to hand the terminal directly to an Iranian diplomat, who avoided eye contact.
Context of Iran’s Internet Restrictions
Iran has outlawed SpaceX’s Starlink service because it can bypass state-controlled firewalls. The regime spends billions of dollars on censorship, according to Netanyahu’s remarks. The report noted that despite seizures, tens of thousands of Starlink dishes have been smuggled into Iran. An earlier blockade of Iranian internet access lasted about five months earlier this year, prompting the government to tighten online controls.
Official Statements & Responses
Danon said, “I thought it was appropriate to give you the Starlink,” and urged the Iranian diplomat to deliver the kit back to Tehran, emphasizing No Iranian official response was reported.
Data & Statistics
- Tens of thousands of Starlink dishes are reported to have entered Iran despite government efforts.
- The Iranian government’s internet blockade earlier this year lasted about five months.
- Netanyahu claimed the regime allocates billions of dollars to internet censorship, though no independent figure was provided.
The episode underscores the symbolic use of commercial satellite-internet technology in diplomatic rhetoric surrounding Iran’s information controls.