Israeli PM calls for Al Jazeera shutdown, new law allows for 'security threat' bans on international media
Netanyahu has pledged to close down Al Jazeera news network following the passing of a comprehensive law on Monday, granting the government authority to ban foreign networks perceived as posing a threat to national security, CNN reported.
Netanyahu stated his intention to do so, and said «to act immediately in accordance with the new law» to stop the Qatari-based news outlet's activity in the country, according to a post on social media platform X following the passage of the law.
Al Jazeera Media Network, which has produced dogged, on-the-ground reporting of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, slammed the decision in a statement, vowing it would not stop the network from continuing its «bold and professional coverage,» as per CNN.
The new law grants the prime minister and communications minister the authority to order the temporary closure of foreign networks operating in Israel.
According to CNN, parliament's approval of the law on Monday comes amid Israel's ongoing war against Hamas and growing public discontent and protests against Netanyahu over his handling of operations in Gaza.
Netanyahu's government has consistently complained about Al Jazeera's operations, alleging an anti-Israeli bias.
In his statement on Monday, the prime minister accused the network of being a trumpet for Hamas and accused it of «actively participating in the October 7 massacre and inciting against IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) soldiers.»
Al Jazeera, which is funded in
