Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reignited efforts to shut down Qatari satellite television station Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel.
Netanyahu, speaking through a spokesperson from his Likud party, announced the convening of parliament to pass the necessary law for the closure.
The proposed legislation would grant the prime minister and the communications minister authority to close foreign networks, including Al Jazeera, if they are perceived as a threat to national security.
“Will take immediate action to shut down Al Jazeera in accordance with procedure set out in the law,” said the party spokesperson.
Likud officials are ensuring the swift progression of the bill through the Knesset, marking a renewed push by Netanyahu amid mounting protests against his handling of the conflict with Hamas.
Netanyahu Accuses Al Jazeera of Impartial Coverage
Further the Israeli government accused Al Jazeera of fostering anti-Israel sentiments among Arab audiences, although there has been no immediate response from Al Jazeera’s main office or the Qatari government.
Israeli authorities have long criticized Al Jazeera’s coverage but refrained from taking direct action due to Qatar’s financial support for Palestinian construction projects in Gaza, which is viewed as a measure to prevent conflict escalation.
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Following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October, which saw Hamas militants initiating cross-border attacks, Qatar mediated ceasefire negotiations that resulted in the release of some hostages held by Hamas.
However, subsequent truce talks have made little progress, prompting Netanyahu to publicly urge Qatar to increase pressure on Hamas, given its hosting of the group’s political office and senior officials.
Israel’s stance towards Al Jazeera has become more stringent, with the Communications Minister accusing the station of promoting Hamas propaganda and endangering Israeli troops.
Despite these allegations, Israel initially targeted a smaller Lebanese channel, Al Mayadeen, for closure under emergency media regulations.
Netanyahu’s Push to Shut Down Al Jazeera
The legislation to close Al Jazeera returns to the Knesset nearly five months after similar measures were taken against Al Mayadeen.
During the conflict, Israeli authorities temporarily closed foreign media outlets deemed detrimental to national interests, although Al Jazeera was spared at that time.
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Nevertheless, the Communications Minister expressed hope that measures would eventually be taken against the Qatari-owned network.
Al Jazeera, which has offices in the West Bank and Gaza, has faced criticism from Israel, including the fatal shooting of one of its senior journalists during coverage of an Israeli military operation.
Amid the conflict in Gaza, several Al Jazeera journalists and their families have been killed in Israeli airstrikes.
