Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett revealed Tuesday that Israel smuggled Starlink satellite internet receivers into Iran during the 2022 anti-government protests to help demonstrators bypass censorship, but said the operation was halted by the current government. The claim, reported by The Jerusalem Post, adds a new dimension to Bennett's ongoing criticism of the Netanyahu administration's Iran policy.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Tuesday that Israel smuggled Starlink satellite internet terminals into Iran during the 2022 protests to help anti-government activists bypass internet censorship — but that the current government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shut down the operation.
Bennett's account, reported by The Jerusalem Post, describes a covert effort to deliver the receivers to protesters in Iran to maintain connectivity as the regime restricted web access. He claimed the operation was later terminated by the current government, without specifying how or when.
The revelation comes amid Bennett's sustained public criticism of the Netanyahu government's Iran strategy. In recent weeks, as The Zioneer has reported, Bennett has argued that the current administration lacks a coherent plan to counter Iran and has called for a change in leadership to pursue more aggressive action against the regime.
The Jerusalem Post report did not include comment from the Prime Minister's Office or other government officials. The claim has not been independently verified.
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