Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that his government has unanimously voted to shut down the local offices of Al Jazeera, a Qatar-owned broadcaster. The decision, posted on social media, has raised questions about the implications and timeline of the closure.
While details on when the shutdown will take effect and whether it is permanent or temporary remain unclear, the move is seen as a significant escalation in Israel’s longstanding feud with Al Jazeera. The broadcaster, known for its coverage of the conflict in Gaza, has been accused by Israel of bias and incitement against the country.
The decision to close Al Jazeera’s offices in Israel comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Qatar playing a key role in mediation efforts to halt the war in Gaza. The move could strain relations between Israel and Qatar, as the Doha-based broadcaster is funded by the Qatari government.
Al Jazeera has been one of the few international media outlets to remain in Gaza throughout the conflict, broadcasting graphic scenes of violence and accusing Israel of atrocities. Israel, in turn, has accused the broadcaster of collaborating with Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza.
It remains to be seen how Israel will enforce the closure of Al Jazeera’s offices, but the decision marks a significant development in the ongoing media war between the two sides. Al Jazeera has yet to respond to the announcement, but the closure is likely to have far-reaching implications for media freedom in the region.