An Israeli Communications Ministry official said that Israel is expected to give the green light to Elon Musk's Starlink project this week to begin limited operations in the war-torn country, according to Bloomberg.
Elad Malka, deputy director of the ministry, said in an interview that sales will initially be limited to official bodies, and Starlink has agreed not to allow humanitarian organizations in the Gaza Strip to access the network without the approval of the Israeli defense establishment.
Israel wants to use Starlink to boost wartime communications along its southern and northern borders, while ensuring the service remains blocked in the Gaza Strip due to fears it could be used by Hamas.
Musk angered Israeli officials in November when he suggested he could provide service in the Gaza Strip, specifically to humanitarian groups.
The world's richest man walked back his comments after the backlash in Israel, saying on his platform
Malka said that the Israeli government has quick plans to obtain a Starlink license as a result of its war with Hamas, which is entering its fourth month.
He said that Starlink has opened an Israeli branch and will begin selling its stations in the coming weeks, with sales restricted under the license to a list of approved customers including telecommunications companies and local councils.
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