Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revived efforts to shut down Qatari satellite television station Al Jazeera in Israel. This move comes after a period of inaction, during which Israel had previously accused Al Jazeera of agitating against it among Arab viewers. Netanyahu’s decision to take immediate action to shut down Al Jazeera is in line with a law that would give him and the communications minister the power to close foreign media outlets in Israel if they are believed to pose a threat to Israel’s security.
The law, which is due for ratification, passed its first reading in the Knesset in February. After its ratification, Netanyahu plans to take immediate action to shut down Al Jazeera in accordance with the procedure set out in the law. This decision follows a period where Israeli officials had long complained about Al Jazeera’s coverage but had stopped short of taking action, mindful of Qatar’s bankrolling of Palestinian construction projects in the Gaza Strip, which is seen by all sides as a means of staving off conflict.
Key Facts
- The passage of the law allowing the government to halt Al Jazeera’s broadcasts in Israel reflects the Israeli government’s concerns over the station’s coverage during the Gaza war and its potential threat to national security.
- Critics argue that the law infringes on freedom of expression and the freedom of the press, raising concerns about the judicial overhaul and the potential chilling effect on foreign media.
- Netanyahu’s promise to act immediately to shut down Al Jazeera’s operations underscores the government’s determination to enforce the law, despite potential legal challenges and concerns about its implications for freedom of expression.
Al Jazeera has previously accused Israel of systematically targeting its offices and personnel. In response to the threat against Al Jazeera, an Israeli government spokesperson, Avi Hyman, described the station as “spouting propaganda for many, many years.” However, he also hinted that Al Jazeera could have legal recourse against any closure, stating, “There’s due process, so we’re not there yet”.
Prime Minister Benjamin #Netanyahu revived moves on Monday to shut down Al-Jazeera TV in the Zionist entity, saying through his party spokesperson that parliament would be convened in the evening to ratify the necessary law. Thereafter, Netanyahu "will take immediate action to… pic.twitter.com/xlAsXrQJ7V
— KUWAIT TIMES (@kuwaittimesnews) April 1, 2024
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Al Jazeera’s coverage has been a point of contention. Since the Gaza war erupted on October 7, 2023, with a cross-border killing and kidnapping rampage by Hamas Islamists, Doha has mediated ceasefire negotiations under which Israel recovered some of those taken hostage.
However, talks on a second proposed truce appear to be going nowhere. In January, Netanyahu publicly called for the Qataris to be pressed into applying more pressure on Hamas, as Qatar hosts the group’s political office and several top Hamas officials.
This move by Netanyahu to shut down Al Jazeera in Israel is part of a broader context of tensions and conflicts in the region, highlighting the complex interplay between media coverage, regional politics, and national security concerns.
Also Read: Zoe Ball Husband And Family: Who Are They? Find Out Here!
