Israeli Cabinet Orders Closure of Al Jazeera Offices in Country: Live Updates on Gaza Conflict

In a bold move that has sparked controversy and condemnation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel announced on Sunday that his cabinet had voted to shut down the Israeli operations of Al Jazeera, the Qatari-based network known for its extensive coverage of news in the Arab world. The decision comes amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and the network, with Mr. Netanyahu accusing Al Jazeera of harming Israel’s security and inciting violence against its soldiers.

The move, which is set to initially last for 45 days with the possibility of an extension, focuses on halting Al Jazeera’s ability to transmit from and be seen within Israel. While the exact impact on the network’s reporting in Gaza and the West Bank remains unclear, the decision has been met with strong criticism from journalism organizations, who have denounced it as a blow to press freedom.

Al Jazeera, in a statement in Arabic, called the decision a “criminal act” and vowed to continue its duty of reporting the news. The network has long been a thorn in the side of the Israeli government, with Mr. Netanyahu previously labeling it a “mouthpiece” for Hamas, the armed group that controls Gaza.

The shutdown of Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel marks a rare move by the Israeli government, which had previously closed a Lebanese channel, Al Mayadeen, affiliated with Hezbollah. Israel’s communications minister, Shlomo Karhi, stated that Al Jazeera’s equipment would be confiscated, and Israeli officials wasted no time in implementing the shutdown, with the main cable provider in Israel already ceasing to carry the network.

The decision could have broader implications, as Qatar, which helps fund Al Jazeera, has been involved in mediating cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The Qatari government has yet to comment on Israel’s action, but the National Unity party in Israel expressed support for the closure while cautioning that the timing could sabotage delicate negotiations.

Mr. Netanyahu defended the government’s decision on social media, stating that the closure of Al Jazeera was a unanimous decision under his leadership. The move follows the passing of a bill last month allowing the government to temporarily close foreign media outlets deemed to undermine national security.

Critics of Al Jazeera have accused the network of amplifying Hamas’s perspective and reporting uncritically on its calls for violence. The network’s Arabic-language coverage has frequently come under fire from Israel, particularly during the recent conflict in Gaza.

As the shutdown order goes into effect, the government’s action must be approved by a district court judge within three days. The war in Gaza has taken a personal toll on Al Jazeera’s employees, with the network’s Gaza bureau chief losing multiple family members in the conflict.

The closure of Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel has sparked a fierce debate over press freedom and government censorship, with many questioning the motives behind the decision and its potential impact on media coverage in the region. The move is likely to have far-reaching consequences for both Al Jazeera and the broader media landscape in the Middle East.