Israeli government unanimously voted to shut down the local offices of Qatar-owned broadcaster Al Jazeera, at a time when cease-fire negotiations with Hamas, mediated by Qatar, were gaining steam. It will be the first time for Israel to halt a foreign media house.
As per the official statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, immediate actions will take place within 45 days including confiscating broadcast equipment, preventing the broadcast of the channel’s reports and blocking its websites, among other measures.
PM Netanyahu said in a statement, “Al Jazeera reporters harmed Israel’s security and incited against soldiers,” remarking Al Jazeera as a “mouthpiece for Hamas.”
Israel’s recent decision to shut down Qatar’s Al Jazeera network’s operations within its borders has stirred controversy and condemnation. The move comes under a law enacted last month, allowing the government to take action against foreign channels deemed detrimental to the nation. This decision directly impacts Al Jazeera’s activities in Israel and East Jerusalem, particularly in broadcasting live coverage since the October 7 attack that catalyzed the conflict in Gaza.
According to an Al Jazeera correspondent on its Arabic service, the order will impede the broadcaster’s operations in Israel and East Jerusalem but won’t affect its presence in the Palestinian territories. Meanwhile, another correspondent on Al Jazeera’s English channel highlighted that the order prohibits the channel from establishing or operating offices within Israel. Although the Israeli government announced that Al Jazeera’s websites would be blocked, they remained accessible as of Sunday afternoon in Jerusalem.
The closure of Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel raises concerns about escalating tensions with Qatar, especially as the Doha government actively participates in mediation efforts to cease hostilities in Gaza, alongside Egypt and the United States.
According to the Associated Press, Al Jazeera swiftly condemned the Israeli government’s action as a “criminal action” aimed at suppressing the free press and concealing Israel’s alleged crimes, particularly those involving the killing and arrest of journalists. Despite the crackdown, Al Jazeera reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling its journalistic duties.
In response to the government’s decision, Israeli satellite and cable television providers suspended broadcasts of Al Jazeera. Reuters reported that the Yes satellite service and Hot cable service both halted transmissions, complying with the government directive to cease Al Jazeera’s coverage within Israeli territory.
(With inputs from agencies)
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