Israeli Cabinet Moves To Close Local Al Jazeera Operations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that his cabinet has voted to shut down the local operations of Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based news network. Netanyahu has long criticized Al Jazeera, accusing the network of serving as a “mouthpiece” for Hamas. The closure was authorized by a bill passed last month that grants the government the power to temporarily shut down foreign media outlets that are seen as a threat to national security.
The move comes against the backdrop of ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Al Jazeera has played a significant role in covering the war in Gaza, and several of its journalists have lost their lives in the conflict. Netanyahu announced the decision on social media, calling Al Jazeera an “incitement channel.”
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The shutdown may strain Israel’s relationship with Qatar, which has been involved in mediating cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas. Journalism organizations have expressed concern over the decision, calling it a threat to press freedom. There was no immediate response from Al Jazeera or the Qatari government regarding the announcement.
It remains unclear whether this decision will permanently shut down Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel or if it will affect its coverage in Gaza and the West Bank.
