Israel Immediately Shuts Down Al Jazeera Under New Law, Citing Security

May 5, 2024, 11:42 AM

The Israeli government has unanimously voted to shut down the operations of the Qatari-owned Al Jazeera network in Israel, effective immediately. This decision, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Minister of Communications under a new law, includes the closure of both the Arabic and English channels. The move follows accusations against Al Jazeera of spreading misinformation and antisemitic propaganda. Additionally, the government has cited national security concerns, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as reasons for the ban. The closure involves confiscating Al Jazeera's broadcast equipment, blocking the network's websites, and confiscating journalistic equipment.