In a surprising twist that merges Silicon Valley innovation with Middle East diplomacy, Israel and the United Nations are locked in intense negotiations over the deployment of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet system in Gaza. This high-tech solution, initially designed to bring internet to remote areas, has become a focal point in efforts to address the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the war-torn enclave.
The talks, revealed by sources close to the matter, showcase the complex interplay between humanitarian needs and national security concerns. For the UN, Starlink represents a lifeline – a crucial tool to enhance the safety and effectiveness of their aid workers in Gaza.
However, Israel's security establishment views the prospect with trepidation. Their primary concern? The possibility of Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, getting their hands on this advanced technology.
The negotiations have drawn in high-level players. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed the issue during his recent Washington visit. Meanwhile, Gen. Ghassan Alian, Israel's coordinator for Gaza affairs, took the unusual step of traveling to UN headquarters in New York to address the matter directly.
The UN's push for Starlink comes in the wake of its June decision to scale back operations in Gaza, a move triggered by increasing dangers to aid workers. This pullback has had devastating consequences, sharply reducing the flow of vital supplies to a population already on the brink.
As talks progress, creative solutions are emerging. The UN has offered to send a technical team to Israel to demonstrate Starlink's security features, including the ability to remotely disable terminals. This olive branch aims to assuage Israeli fears of the system falling into militant hands.
The U.S. State Department has stepped into the fray, with spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledging their efforts to broker a compromise. "We're trying to find a balance that addresses the UN's operational needs while respecting Israel's legitimate security concerns," Miller stated in a recent briefing.
In the background looms the figure of Elon Musk, whose Starlink system has already made headlines for its role in Ukraine. Now, as his technology becomes a bargaining chip in one of the world's most intractable conflicts, the unpredictable billionaire's next move remains a wild card in this high-stakes diplomatic game.
Can this unlikely marriage of Silicon Valley innovation and Middle East politics can forge a path toward relief – or if it will crumble under the weight of regional tensions and security fears?
* Axios contributed to this article.