Israel's UN Envoy Offers Iran Starlink Device Amid Tensions

Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, approached Iran's representative at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, offering him a Starlink satellite internet device. Danon presented the device, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had showcased earlier in his own UN address, and suggested the Iranian envoy take it back to Tehran. Video footage showed the Iranian representative refusing to accept the device and avoiding eye contact with Danon.

Danon stated that the Starlink device could be "very useful" for the Iranian people to "gain their freedoms," adding, "We love the Iranian people and pray for regime change there. That day will come."

Netanyahu had previously highlighted the Starlink device during his speech, claiming the Iranian regime fears its citizens gaining free access to information. He presented it as a communication tool that allows people access to truth, choice, freedom of thought, and expression. Netanyahu announced he would leave the device with the Assembly president for transfer to the Iranian delegation, quipping that it would enable them to "freely tell their story on social media when they inevitably defect."

The confrontation with Iran was a central theme at the UN assembly. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized Israel and the United States in his speech, prompting the U.S. delegation to leave the hall. The Iranian delegation also staged a protest during Netanyahu's speech, displaying a photo of former Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani. Prior to the speeches, Israel launched an information campaign in New York against Iran, featuring signs and messages directed at the Iranian delegation.