TEL AVIV: In a move condemned by press freedom advocates, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the shutdown of Al Jazeera’s broadcasting within Israel, alleging the broadcaster’s role in “incitement.” The decision, reached unanimously by the Israeli cabinet, has drawn sharp criticism from Al Jazeera, which described the move as “criminal.”
The decision to block Al Jazeera comes amid escalating tensions in the region and heightened scrutiny of media coverage during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. With foreign journalists prohibited from entering Gaza, Al Jazeera’s staff has been among the few reporters providing on-the-ground coverage.
Israeli officials have long accused Al Jazeera of anti-Israel bias, but criticisms intensified following the recent conflict. Israeli authorities have accused the broadcaster of disseminating misinformation.
Last month, the Israeli parliament passed a law granting the government authority to temporarily shut down foreign broadcasters. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi confirmed that the ban on Al Jazeera would be implemented immediately, with provisions for recertification every 45 days.
Under the temporary order, the ban could extend to the closure of Al Jazeera offices, removal of its website, and seizure of equipment. The network has denounced the move as an attack on press freedom, vowing to continue its journalistic duties despite the ban.
Al Jazeera accused Israel of targeting its staff, citing instances where journalists, including Hamza Al-Dahdouh, son of Al Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chief Wael Al-Dahdouh, were killed in Israeli strikes.
