In a unanimous decision, Israel’s cabinet voted to close Al Jazeera’s local operations in the country. The move comes after the passing of a law by the Israeli parliament allowing the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed to be a threat to national security during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The decision to shut down Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel was announced in a government statement, which did not specify when the closure would take effect. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet took this step following concerns about the network’s coverage and its alleged bias against Israel.
Al Jazeera, a Qatari television network, has been a prominent voice in the region, covering various political and social issues. However, it has faced criticism from some Israeli officials who accuse the network of promoting anti-Israeli narratives.
The closure of Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel is seen as a significant move by the government to control the flow of information and media coverage during times of conflict. It raises concerns about press freedom and the ability of journalists to report independently in the region.
The decision has sparked debate and criticism both locally and internationally, with many expressing concerns about the implications for freedom of the press and the right to information. The move is likely to have a lasting impact on media freedom in the region and beyond.