By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL- In the midst of negotiations toward a ceasefire and hostage deal, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced on X that he’s decided to close Al Jazeera in Israel. Netanyahu had previously said he would ban Al Jazeera in Israel and now a new law allows his government to ban foreign networks who are perceived to pose a threat to national security. In April on X, the Israeli prime minister said he would “act immediately in accordance with the new law,” to stop the channel’s activity in Israel, claiming anti-Israeli bias. For its part, Al Jazeera condemned the decision and said it’s committed to its ongoing “bold and professional coverage.” The new law gives Netanyahu and his communications minister authority to order the temporary closure of foreign networks operating in Israel. Rights groups have raised the alarm about the move, saying it has major and far-reaching implications for international media coverage of the war in Gaza. Rights groups have also slammed the move while Human Rights Watch labeled it “an alarming escalation” with the Committee to Protect Journalists stating they’re “deeply concerned by the new legislation.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s spokesperson to the Arab world, Ofir Gendelman said on May 5 that the prime minister’s decision will be “implemented immediately.” Gendelman posting on X said that Al Jazeera’s “broadcast equipment will be confiscated, the channel’s correspondents will be prevented from working, the channel will be removed from cable and satellite television companies, and Al Jazeera’s websites will be blocked on the internet.” Gendelman repeated what Netanyahu reiterated: “Al Jazeera reporters harmed Israel’s security and incited IDF soldiers. It is time to expel the mouthpiece of Hamas from our country.” The channel, whose operations are based in Qatar hasn’t put out a statement yet but previously accused Netanyahu of “inflammatory slanders” endangering Al Jazeera’s reputation and the safety and rights of its employees worldwide.
Photo : AA
