Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has persistently advocated for the closure of Al Jazeera in Israel, while instances of Israeli military actions resulting in the deaths of its journalists in Palestine have been documented. Recently, Israel’s parliament passed a law enabling temporary shutdowns of foreign media in the country, with Al Jazeera being a primary target.
Netanyahu has repeatedly voiced his intent to shut down Al Jazeera in Israel, citing its alleged role in jeopardizing national security. The newly enacted law permits the closure of foreign media bureaus for up to 45 days, extendable and subject to conditions, particularly during times of heightened tensions such as military operations in Gaza. Additionally, the law allows for the confiscation of equipment deemed to pose a threat to state security.
In a statement, Netanyahu accused Al Jazeera of undermining Israel’s security, citing its alleged involvement in inciting violence and its coverage of contentious events such as the October 7 massacre. He pledged swift action in accordance with the new legislation to halt the channel’s operations.
This isn’t the first time Israel has targeted Al Jazeera. Netanyahu’s previous threats to close Al Jazeera’s Jerusalem office in 2017 came amid tensions surrounding the al-Aqsa Mosque, with accusations of incitement to violence against its journalists. Additionally, in 2008, Israel’s government press office sanctioned Al Jazeera staff in Israel following their coverage of celebrations following the release of Samir Kuntar, a controversial figure associated with militant groups.
Furthermore, Israel has carried out attacks on Al Jazeera’s offices outside its borders. In May 2021, the al-Jalaa Tower in Gaza City, housing Al Jazeera’s offices along with those of The Associated Press and residential units, was destroyed by an Israeli missile strike.
editor
The freedom of the press is as vital as freedom of speech, the right to know and be informed in this spiralling out of control world with its raggle taggle bunch of so called leaders is more important now than ever before, this obvious assault on Aljazeera TV News who have diligentley and faithfully reported the news in Gaza and the occupied West Bank for years are no starngers to these attacks on them by Israel, theyre coverage is second to none and the attempt to hide the unfolding horrors of the way Isaeli forces have ignored Humanitarian law and human rights by shutting out the world media and probably the most informative news operation in Gaza is a scandal and the world leaders need to appose this in the strongest way possible.