Israeli Court Upholds 35-Day Ban on Al Jazeera Operations
An Israeli court on Wednesday upheld a 35-day ban on Al Jazeera operations in Israel imposed by the government on national security grounds. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi expressed his intention to extend the ban for another 45 days when it expires on Saturday.
On May 5, Israeli authorities raided a Jerusalem hotel room used by Al Jazeera as its office and announced the shutdown for the duration of the Gaza war, accusing the broadcaster of encouraging hostilities against Israel. Al Jazeera rejected the accusations, calling them a “dangerous and ridiculous lie” that endangered its journalists.
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The Tel Aviv District Court ruling retroactively approved the ban until June 8. Judge Shai Yaniv cited evidence of a “long-standing and close relationship” between Hamas and the Qatari-backed broadcaster, accusing Al Jazeera of promoting Hamas goals. He wrote: “Freedom of expression has a special importance during times of war. However, when there is significant harm to state security, the latter consideration comes first.”
Al Jazeera, which has been critical of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and has reported from the region throughout the conflict, argued that it did not incite violence or terrorism and deemed the ban disproportionate. The channel asserted that its journalists have confidential sources on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides.
The ban also resulted in Israeli satellite and cable television providers suspending Al Jazeera broadcasts following the government’s May 5 directive. The United Nations human rights office and the United States have criticized the shutdown of Al Jazeera’s Israel operations.
Qatar, where several Hamas political leaders reside, is currently trying to mediate a ceasefire and hostage release deal to halt the Gaza war.
