Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced that his Cabinet decided unanimously to close Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel. This decision came after Israeli lawmakers passed a new media law, dubbed the “Al Jazeera law,” allowing the government to ban foreign broadcasters if they pose a threat to national security. Netanyahu labeled Al Jazeera as “the hate channel” and stated that the decision would be implemented immediately.
Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi issued an order to shut down Al Jazeera’s operations, leading to the potential closure of its offices, confiscation of broadcasting equipment, removal from TV lineups, and blocking of its website. The Israeli government criticized Al Jazeera for biased coverage of the conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza, accusing its reporters of harming Israel’s security and inciting IDF soldiers.
The decision reflects Israel’s concerns about national security and its perception of Al Jazeera as a mouthpiece for Hamas.