The Israeli government approved emergency regulation that would temporarily shut down foreign news channels, beginning with the Qatar-based Al Jazeera. The announcement on Friday morning was brought after claims that these broadcastings would “jeopardize national security.”
If the initiative gets a sign-off from the Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and the approval of the Statutory Security Cabinet, this will mean the closure of foreign news channels, starting with international news network, Al Jazeera.
HAPPENING NOW: Israel Temporarily Shuts Down ‘Al Jazeera’ News Bureau
Israel’s Communications Minister, Shlomo Karhi, previously accused the Qatar-based news channel of being pro-Hamas and encouraging violence against Israel.
The temporary suspension will enable authorities to… pic.twitter.com/kcpqskt2n6
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BREAKING: 🇮🇱 Netanyahu's government approves regulations that allow temporary shutdown of foreign news channels on grounds of national security, as Communications Minister seeks to shut down Al Jazeera's bureau.
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Israeli authorities alleged that the network promotes propaganda in favor of Hamas and other terrorist organizations in both Arabic and English, disseminating sensitive information to adversaries.
The official statement read: “The closure of the Al Jazeera network in Israel comes after the presentation of evidence that it helps the enemy, broadcasts propaganda in the service of Hamas in Arabic and English to viewers all over the world, and even passes sensitive information to our enemies.”
The new rules are retro-active, meaning Al Jazeera’s broadcasts since the conflict commenced, could potentially “serve as grounds for shutting down the network’s local operations.”
The move was reportedly initiated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and led by Communications Minister Shlomo Karai, garnering support of security forces.
BIG BREAKING NEWS – Israel Govt approves regulations for shutdown of foreign news channels involved in helping terrorists on grounds of NATIONAL SECURITY🔥🔥
Al Jazeera likely to be closed in Israel for helping Hamas⚡️ Israeli president also raised the issue of BBC's biased &… pic.twitter.com/z3QO5zPtW7
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) October 20, 2023
Karhi stated, “Israel is at war on multiple fronts, including in the realm of information and perception. We will not tolerate broadcasts that jeopardize the security of our nation. The regulations under consideration will grant us the authority to close channels, seize equipment, and revoke the credentials of journalists who, during wartime, are found to be compromising the security of our state.”
He added: “Israel is engaged in warfare on multiple fronts, and we cannot tolerate broadcasts that undermine the state’s security. Al Jazeera’s broadcasts and reports are seen as incitement against Israel, support terrorist organizations, and encourage violence.”
The proposed regulation is expected to gain approval in the next cabinet meeting, awaiting endorsement from the Minister of Defense.
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