20. May 2025
Silicon Valley Exec Plays Key Role In Delivering Life-Saving Internet To War-Torn Israel
The Facilitation of Starlink to Israel After the October 7 Attack: A Silicon Valley VC’s Unprecedented Role
Shaun Maguire, a prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalist, shared a harrowing tale of how he helped facilitate access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite telecommunications provider in Israel just days after Hamas’ devastating attack on October 7, 2023. This collaboration between Maguire and SpaceX, as well as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), highlights the potential for Silicon Valley venture capitalists to play a significant role in supporting national security efforts.
Maguire’s involvement began when Tel Aviv-based venture capitalist Avi Eyal, who had been introduced to Maguire by SpaceX’s head of country licensing, reached out to him on October 8 or 9, expressing the urgent need for Starlink’s services to aid the Israeli military in the aftermath of the attack. Maguire quickly sprang into action, claiming that it took him only 12 hours, possibly less, to facilitate Starlink’s activation over Israel.
Although Maguire did not specify the exact capacity in which he assisted, his involvement was instrumental in introducing Eyal to the relevant parties at SpaceX. This introduction allowed for a smoother process of obtaining Starlink’s services for the IDF. Eyal credited Maguire with helping him navigate the initial months of getting Starlink operational in Israel.
Israel would not officially approve SpaceX’s limited use in the country until more than four months later. It appears that SpaceX did not have a contractual agreement with the Pentagon at the time it began providing Starlink to Israel and the IDF, which was a requirement set by the Department of Defense before such services could be extended to Ukraine.
The Pentagon did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment on this matter. Eyal described the experience as an “absolute game changer” and a huge success for Starlink in Israel.
In the initial days following the attack, Maguire and Eyal were both involved in trying to help Israel in their own ways. This collaborative effort underscored the importance of private sector involvement in supporting national security efforts.
While Maguire did not respond for comment on his role, Eyal revealed that he would prefer to keep some details off the record due to confidentiality agreements with SpaceX and other parties involved.
The story of how Starlink arrived in Israel has significant implications for the satellite telecommunications industry and its role in national security. As the technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see more instances of private sector collaboration with government agencies in critical situations.
Maguire’s involvement highlights the potential for Silicon Valley venture capitalists to play a significant role in supporting national security efforts. This unprecedented collaboration between Maguire and SpaceX underscores the importance of private sector involvement in times of crisis and demonstrates the innovative solutions that can emerge from the intersection of technology and industry.
The complexities surrounding the use of satellite telecommunications services by government agencies are also shed light on by this experience. The lack of a contractual agreement with the Pentagon at the time of Starlink’s deployment to Israel underscores the need for clearer guidelines and regulations governing such arrangements.
As we move forward, it is essential to examine the role that private sector entities can play in supporting national security efforts, particularly during times of crisis. This includes exploring new technologies like Starlink and understanding their potential applications in critical situations.
The story of Maguire’s involvement highlights the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and government agencies. By working together, these parties can develop innovative solutions that address pressing national security challenges.
Ultimately, the successful deployment of Starlink to Israel after the October 7 attack serves as a testament to the power of private sector innovation in supporting national security efforts. As we continue to navigate complex global landscapes, it is likely that we will see more instances of collaboration between industry leaders and government agencies working together to address critical challenges.
The involvement of Silicon Valley venture capitalists like Shaun Maguire in facilitating access to Starlink demonstrates the potential for this technology to play a significant role in supporting national security efforts. As we move forward, it is essential to continue exploring new ways in which private sector entities can contribute to addressing pressing global challenges.
Furthermore, this experience underscores the need for clearer guidelines and regulations governing the use of satellite telecommunications services by government agencies. By developing such frameworks, policymakers can ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and effectively to support national security efforts.
In conclusion, Shaun Maguire’s role in facilitating access to Starlink in Israel after the October 7 attack serves as a fascinating example of how private sector innovation can be leveraged to support national security efforts. As we move forward, it is essential to continue exploring new ways in which industry leaders and government agencies can collaborate to address critical challenges.
The story of Maguire’s involvement also highlights the importance of understanding the complexities surrounding satellite telecommunications services and their potential applications in critical situations. By examining this technology and its role in national security, policymakers and industry leaders can work together to develop innovative solutions that address pressing global challenges.