Former Israeli prime minister says he smuggled Starlink receptors into Iran

What Happened

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, speaking at the JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem on Tuesday, claimed he had initiated a programme to smuggle tens of thousands of Starlink internet receptors into Iran. Bennett said the aim was to provide anti-government protesters with communications continuity during internet blackouts imposed by the Islamic Republic, ultimately seeking to help coordinate protests and topple the regime. He alleged that the current Israeli government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu halted the programme, leaving the infrastructure absent during protests that began in late December and escalated in January, in which thousands were killed. Bennett's remarks came as the US and Iran are negotiating an end to a war that began in February, when Israeli and American forces attacked Iran and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. On Monday, US Vice President JD Vance characterised the talks as 'good progress', and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a temporary suspension of sanctions until 21 August under a 60-day general licence authorising Iranian oil production and sales in US dollars.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Bennett's revelation exposes an alleged covert Israeli cyber-support operation aimed at destabilising Iran, illustrating the technological dimension of the Israel-Iran conflict. It highlights internal Israeli disagreements over such provocative actions and arrives amid US-Iran negotiations that could reshape the regional balance following a direct US-Israeli military strike that killed Iran's leader. The temporary sanctions relief may test Iran's willingness to engage while internal unrest persists.

Watch For

The 21 August expiry of the US sanctions suspension and whether it is extended or linked to diplomatic progress. Potential Iranian denials or investigations into Bennett's claims, and any resurgence of protests if internet restrictions are challenged. Official Israeli responses, including from Netanyahu's government, to the smuggling allegations. Further US-Iran negotiating rounds and their impact on the war's resolution.