Elon Musk Visits Israel, Expresses Support for Starlink Operations
In a recent visit to Israel, tech billionaire Elon Musk met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, touring a kibbutz targeted by Palestinian gunmen during a recent attack. Musk expressed support for Israel’s actions against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the intentional nature of Hamas militants’ actions.
During the tour, Musk was shown a video documenting the atrocities of the October 7 attack, expressing his dismay at the joy on the faces of Hamas militants as they killed innocent people. Musk rejected claims that Israel disproportionately killed civilians, stating that there is a crucial difference, as Israel attempts to avoid civilian casualties.
The visit also coincides with controversy surrounding Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter). Musk has faced criticism for his decision to loosen content moderation on X, leading to a surge in anti-Semitic content on the platform. The billionaire did not directly address these allegations during his conversation with Netanyahu but emphasized the need to “stop the propaganda that is convincing people to engage in murder.”
Israel and Musk reached an in-principle agreement to allow Starlink satellites, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, to operate in Israel and the Gaza Strip. The agreement stipulates that only ground units of Starlink approved by the Israeli government can operate in these areas.
The trip also included a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, where Musk was scolded over the content on X, which has been accused of harboring antisemitic content. Musk agreed with Herzog’s statement that social media platforms, including X, host a significant amount of anti-Semitism.
Furthermore, Musk’s visit addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, with discussions about the need to neutralize militants, overhaul education, and foster prosperity in Gaza. Musk’s emotional response to witnessing the aftermath of the kibbutz attack highlighted the impact of propaganda on individuals’ minds.
As part of the visit, an agreement was reached for Starlink to operate in Gaza with Israeli approval, marking a notable shift in Israel’s stance. The communication minister emphasized the importance of the understanding in combating anti-Semitism and fostering a better world.
Musk’s visit to Israel comes amidst a broader context of controversy surrounding his social media platform, Starlink operations, and discussions on the ongoing conflict in the region.
