Israel Extends Ban on Al Jazeera Operations for 90 Days

Israeli Law Extends Ban on Al Jazeera Operations

An Israeli law has been extended by 90 days, prohibiting Al Jazeera Media Network’s operations and the closure of its offices in the country. The order, signed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karahi, also prohibits broadcasting and internet companies from providing services to the network inside Israel.

The ban was initially imposed in May 2024, following a law passed by the Israeli parliament allowing for the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed a threat to national security. In September 2024, Israeli forces stormed Al Jazeera’s offices in Ramallah, confiscating equipment and documents.

In December last year, the Israeli parliament approved an extension of the 2024 law, also known as the “Al Jazeera law”, for two more years. The latest decision was made nine days after the Ministry of Communications stated that Israeli security services and military believed Al Jazeera’s broadcasts were detrimental to Israel’s security.

Al Jazeera has denied the allegations, stating that it will continue its coverage despite the accusations. The network had previously accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of making slanderous accusations against it and expressed concerns over Israel’s suppression of a free press.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in connection with war crimes in Gaza. Al Jazeera has been targeted by Israel since 2017, when Netanyahu threatened to shut down its Jerusalem office. In 2021, an Israeli missile destroyed the building housing its office in Gaza.

In May 2022, Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was shot dead by Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank.

Source: Al Jazeera