Exhibit 7(a)

                             JOINT FILING AGREEMENT

         In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, the undersigned agree to the joint filing on behalf of each of
them of a statement on Schedule 13D (including amendments thereto) with respect
to the Ordinary Shares of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. and further agree that
this agreement be included as an exhibit to such filing. Each party to the
agreement expressly authorizes each other party to file on its behalf any and
all amendments to such statement. Each party to this agreement agrees that this
joint filing agreement may be signed in counterparts.

         In evidence whereof, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be
executed on their behalf of the date indicated:


/s/ MEIR SHAMIR
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Meir Shamir


Mivtach Shamir Holdings Ltd

      By:  /s/ MEIR SHAMIR
           ---------------
           Chairman