Israel is reportedly exploring the use of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network to maintain internet connectivity in the event of a full-scale war with Lebanon's Hezbollah, which could potentially cause power outages in Israel. According to the Calcalist financial daily, the Israeli finance and communications ministries are considering utilizing Starlink's 5,000 low-orbit satellites to ensure a stable flow of data and information for state authorities during emergencies.

While the ministries have not commented on the report, in February, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi granted permission for Starlink, the satellite unit of SpaceX, to operate in Israel and the Gaza Strip. The move comes as Iran-backed Hezbollah continues to trade blows with Israel following the Gaza war sparked by Hamas in October last year. Hezbollah has indicated that it will not halt its actions until a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza.

The prospect of a full-scale conflict in the north raises concerns over potential missile attacks on Israel's power grid and other critical infrastructure. In order to mitigate these risks, Israeli authorities are actively exploring alternative methods to ensure reliable communication and information exchange during emergencies.

Starlink's satellite network has gained significant attention due to its ability to provide internet connectivity in remote areas and during emergencies. With its large fleet of low-orbit satellites, Starlink offers the potential for uninterrupted internet access even in scenarios where traditional infrastructure is compromised.

In a separate investigation, The Guardian, in collaboration with non-profit Forbidden Stories, has alleged that the Israeli military considers some Gaza-based journalists as "legitimate targets." The report suggests that members of the armed forces consider journalists working for Hamas-controlled or affiliated outlets as not covered by the same international protections as civilians.

Media watchdogs Committee to Protect Journalists and Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism reported that around 30 percent of the media workers killed since October 7 in Gaza were employed by outlets linked to Hamas. Notably, the largest Hamas-run outlet in Gaza, Al-Aqsa media network, has faced accusations of being a propaganda arm for Hamas.

While Al-Aqsa's programming has been criticized for being pro-Hamas and anti-Israel, the report emphasizes that merely working for the outlet does not justify being targeted. It highlights the difficulty of distinguishing between combatants and civilians, particularly in the context of journalists.

The Israeli military has denied the report's accusations, asserting that while it does not target civilian objects, it considers the outlet to employ terrorists and afford them the facade of journalists. Experts have expressed concerns about the military's efforts to silence critical reporting, emphasizing the importance of press freedom.

As tensions continue to escalate on the Israeli-Lebanese border, Israel's exploration of alternative internet connectivity options and allegations surrounding the targeting of journalists highlight the complex nature of conflict in the region and the challenges faced in safeguarding communication and journalism.