Israel’s cabinet has voted unanimously to shut down the local offices of the Al Jazeera news network, citing national security threats.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision on social media, stating that the “incitement channel Al Jazeera will be closed in Israel.”
The measure will involve closing Al Jazeera’s offices in Israel, confiscating broadcast equipment, cutting off the channel from cable and satellite providers, and blocking its websites.
Israel’s communications minister has signed orders to “act immediately” on the decision.
The government claims that the Qatari-funded Al Jazeera network poses a threat to Israel’s national security, particularly due to its critical coverage of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Al Jazeera has rejected these accusations, calling the shutdown a “dangerous and ridiculous lie” that puts its journalists at risk.
The move comes as Israel’s parliament recently ratified a law allowing the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed a threat to national security.
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This law grants Netanyahu’s cabinet the power to shut down Al Jazeera’s offices for an initial 45-day period, which can be renewed until the end of major military operations in Gaza.
The decision has been met with widespread criticism, with the UN Human Rights Office stating that “a free and independent media is essential to ensuring transparency and accountability.”
The Foreign Press Association has accused Israel of joining “a dubious club of authoritarian governments” in its crackdown on media freedom.
The shutdown also raises concerns about the potential impact on ceasefire negotiations, as Qatar, which hosts Hamas leaders, is currently mediating a deal to halt the Gaza war.
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The timing of the move has drawn some political opposition within Israel, with the centrist National Unity party expressing concerns about its potential consequences.
