Elon Musk Arrives in Israel as Starlink Makes Agreement

On Monday, Elon Musk made his way to Israel as an important announcement was made regarding the operations of Starlink. The Israeli government has declared that Starlink will only be allowed to operate within Israel and Gaza with the approval of the Israeli government. The Minister of Communications, Shlomo Karhi, took to a social media platform owned by Musk to share this news.

"Elon Musk, I want to extend my congratulations for reaching a crucial understanding with the Ministry of Communications under my leadership," Karhi expressed. "Thanks to this significant agreement, the operation of Starlink satellite units in Israel, including the Gaza Strip, will require the explicit approval of the Israeli Ministry of Communications."

Musk has recently faced criticism following his endorsement of an antisemitic post on a social media platform. This led to several brands suspending their advertisements on the platform, which has been heavily criticized for allowing and perpetuating hate speech. The White House also released a statement condemning Musk's post, deeming it an "abhorrent promotion of antisemitic and racist hate" that contradicts the fundamental values of America.

In his statement announcing the agreement, Karhi said he hopes Musk is "able to gain valuable insight," during his trip to Israel "and that it will serve as a springboard for future endeavors, as well as enhance your relationship with the Jewish people and values we share with the entire world."

Hamas, a terrorist organization that controls Gaza, the strip of land that was home to nearly 2 million Palestinians, launched a brutal attack on Israel on Oct. 7, prompting the war.

On Oct. 28, Israel said it had entered a new phase of war and had expanded its ground attacks in an effort to dismantle Hamas. The attacks caused a blackout that cut off internet access for what was believed to be all of Gaza.

Musk had proposed providing internet to Gaza last month and said Starlink could help the area connect with "internationally recognized aid organizations," according to Reuters. But Karhi said "Hamas will use it [Starlink] for terrorist activities" and rejected the idea.

During his visit to Israel on Monday, Musk met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and visited the Kfar Aza kibbutz, which Hamas attacked on Oct. 7, the brutal infiltration that started the war. Netanyahu's office released video of the visit and in a X Spaces conversation – a live chat on X – with Netanyahu, Musk said it was "jarring to see the scene of the massacre."

Musk also wrote in a post on X during his visit Monday: "Actions speak louder than words."

Elon Musk is set to visit Israel on Monday, where he will meet with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and the families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, according to reports. This visit comes after a recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, during which Hamas released groups of hostages taken from Israel. The release was made in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Musk's visit is expected to further strengthen ties between Israel and the tech entrepreneur.