Israel prepares to close Al Jazeera for endangering national security

The country passed several emergency regulations that will allow it to temporarily close foreign news offices if it believes they are inciting hate.

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Published by

Rosana Rábago Sainz

20 de octubre, 2023

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Al Jazeera's hours in Israel are numbered. At least temporarily. The country has approved several emergency regulations that will allow it to close down foreign news outlets such as Al Jazeera itself if they consider that they are inciting hatred.

Specifically, the state will have the authority to order the closure of foreign news channels during states of emergency, such as the one that is currently in force since the terrorist group Hamas attacked the country on October 7.

The initiative was promoted by the Israeli Minister of Communications, Shlomo Karki. He expressed his concern about the content published by Al Jazeera which, according to statements reported by The Times of Israel, not only damaged national security, but also incited hatred against the country:

Israel is at war on land, in the air, at sea, and on the public diplomacy front. We will not allow in any way broadcasts that harm the security of the state. The broadcasts and reports of Al Jazeera constitute incitement against Israel, help Hamas-ISIS and the terror organizations with their propaganda, and encourage violence against Israel.

What are Israel's emergency regulations?

Once the measure is approved, the Minister of Communications, who must have the approval of the Minister of Defense, may order the cessation of operations of the television channels as well as the closure or temporary blocking of their website. In addition, they may close offices and confiscate material to safeguard national security.

The regulations, however, will only last three months. The newspaper reports that the closures will only last 30 days and may be ratified for another 30 days and so on until the required three months have been met. However, it could be extended until Israel decides to lift the state of emergency in the country if it is believed that foreign news channels continue to pose a risk to national security.