Israel, as part of its ongoing tensions with Qatar’s Al Jazeera network, ordered the closure of the local Al Jazeera offices in the country. This step, taken on a recent Sunday, included confiscating the broadcaster’s equipment, blocking its website, and preventing further broadcast of its reports in Israel. It marks the first instance of Israel shutting down a foreign news outlet within its borders.
The move comes amid increased friction between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and Al Jazeera’s reporting, particularly in light of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that started with a Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7. This new Israeli order reflects a broader effort to control what the Israeli government perceives as harmful incitement against its military operations and national security.
Al Jazeera has been covering the conflict extensively, reporting from within the Gaza Strip and focusing on the casualties of Israel’s ground offensive. The network’s broadcasting often includes video statements from Hamas and other militant groups. Prime Minister Netanyahu described Al Jazeera as a “Hamas mouthpiece,” while Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi highlighted that this closure seeks to stop Al Jazeera’s “incitement machine” that allegedly harms Israel’s security.
Despite this ban, Al Jazeera’s operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip—areas where Israel does not have direct sovereign control—are not directly affected by the order. The decision to close Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel has drawn criticism from various international organizations and press freedom advocates, with many condemning the move as an attack on freedom of the press. Critics, including the Foreign Press Association in Israel and the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, argue that this action sets a dangerous precedent for restricting international media outlets operating in Israel.
The timing of this closure order is particularly sensitive, as Qatar has been actively involved in mediating ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. This decision could potentially complicate ongoing efforts to reach a truce in the Gaza Strip.
Al Jazeera’s response to the closure order has been to challenge it through international legal channels, asserting that Israel’s actions are in violation of international and humanitarian laws. The network has also emphasized its commitment to continuing its coverage despite the Israeli government’s suppression tactics.
