Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that the government plans to close the operations of the Qatari news network Al Jazeera within the country. This decision follows a protracted dispute between Netanyahu’s administration and the news channel, as reported by AFP.
On a social media platform, Netanyahu stated that the closure was a unanimous government decision. This move comes on the heels of a recent law passed by the Israeli parliament, empowering senior ministers to close foreign news outlets on grounds of national security.
Al Jazeera, which maintains offices in the West Bank and Gaza, has been a frequent subject of Israeli criticism. The network’s coverage has often put it at odds with Israeli policies, particularly in light of the tragic death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was fatally shot by Israeli forces in May 2022 during a raid in Jenin.
The network’s journalists have also faced peril during military operations in Gaza, with some losing their lives to Israeli strikes. The international community, including the U.N. human rights office, has condemned the decision to close Al Jazeera, emphasizing the critical role of free and independent media.