The Cabinet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unanimously approved the closure of Qatar-owned media outlet Al Jazeera in the country, citing its actions against the Jewish State. The decision, which will take effect immediately on Sunday, comes nearly seven months after the start of the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Under a law allowing the prime minister to act against foreign media channels deemed harmful to the state, Al Jazeera’s offices in Israel will be closed, its broadcast equipment confiscated, its channel and website blocked, and its journalists prohibited from broadcasting.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the decision to close Al Jazeera broadcasts in Israel was made after discussions with the Security Cabinet. He accused Al Jazeera correspondents of jeopardizing Israeli security and inciting against IDF soldiers, calling for the removal of Hamas propaganda from the country. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi also condemned Al Jazeera as “Hamas’s mouthpiece in Israel.”
The Qatar-backed channel will be prevented from operating for 45 days following the decision, according to the Associated Press. Al Jazeera has confirmed that the suspension affects its operations in Israel but not in Gaza. The move comes amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with Qatar serving as a mediator. Israel has raised concerns about Hamas holding hostages taken during terrorist attacks on October 7, which sparked the conflict.
