Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to close down Al Jazeera, a Qatari-based news network, following the approval of a sweeping law on Monday. The law grants the government authority to ban foreign networks deemed to threaten national security.
Netanyahu announced his intention to take immediate action in line with the new legislation to halt Al Jazeera’s operations in the country, as stated in a social media post after the law’s passage.
Al Jazeera Media Network, known for its persistent on-the-ground reporting of Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, strongly criticized the decision. The network asserted that it would continue its bold and professional coverage despite the government’s move.
The newly enacted law empowers the prime minister and communications minister to order the temporary closure of foreign networks operating in Israel. Rights groups warn that this could have significant implications for international media coverage of the Gaza conflict.
The law’s approval by Parliament coincides with Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas and amid mounting public pressure on Netanyahu’s handling of the situation.
Netanyahu’s government has frequently accused Al Jazeera of displaying anti-Israeli bias. In his statement, the prime minister accused the network of serving as a mouthpiece for Hamas and alleged its involvement in inciting violence against Israeli Defense Forces.
Al Jazeera, partially funded by the Qatari government, dismissed these accusations as slanderous and asserted that they endangered the network’s reputation and the safety of its employees worldwide.
Rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have condemned the decision to shut down Al Jazeera. The CPJ expressed deep concern about the law, warning that it could lead to self-censorship and hostility towards the press in Israel.
