Could internet access become a tool of political change?
A former Israeli prime minister has made a striking claim that is reigniting debate over technology, activism and regional politics.
Naftali Bennett, who led Israel from 2021 to 2022, said Israel had launched an effort.
To smuggle tens of thousands of Starlink satellite internet receivers into Iran.
Speaking at a policy summit in Jerusalem, Bennett said the goal was simple: keep Iranians connected during government-imposed internet shutdowns and help protesters organise.
Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has long been viewed as a workaround for countries that restrict online access.
Iran has repeatedly accused Israel and the United States of using such technology to undermine its security.
Internet Access Debate Intensifies
While Musk has previously said Starlink services were active in the country.
Bennett argued that the project could have strengthened anti-government demonstrations but claimed the initiative was later abandoned.
“When the protest happened, that infrastructure was not there,” he said, criticising the current Israeli government.
The comments come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, with Tehran frequently restricting internet access during periods of unrest.
Whether technology can truly influence political change remains a matter of debate.
But one thing is clear: in today’s world, control of information may be almost as powerful as control of territory.
