The Israeli parliament passed a bill granting top ministers the authority to block the broadcasting of Al Jazeera.
Immediate Ban Implementation
Reports indicate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ready to implement the ban immediately upon the bill’s enactment.
Provisions of the Bill
The bill, approved by a significant margin of 70 votes to 10, not only allows the prohibition of foreign media broadcasts but also sanctions the closure of their offices within Israeli territory.
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Netanyahu’s Determination
Netanyahu expressed his determination to take “immediate action” to shut down Al Jazeera within Israel once the legislation is enacted.
Background and Allegations
Tensions between Israel and Hamas have escalated since October, with Israeli forces engaging in combat operations against the militant group in Gaza. Israel claimed Al Jazeera journalists killed in airstrikes were linked to “terror activities”.
Denial by Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera has vehemently denied Israel’s allegations and accused the country of deliberately targeting its employees in Gaza.
Legislative Process
The bill allowing authorities to intervene against foreign media perceived as jeopardizing national security had already cleared its initial parliamentary hurdle last month.
Continued Attacks
Earlier, Al Jazeera’s bureau chief in the Palestinian territory, Wael al-Dahdouh, was injured in an Israeli strike in December, which claimed the life of the network’s cameraman.
Conflict Casualties
The conflict between Israel and Hamas resulted in approximately 1,160 deaths in Israel, predominantly civilians, and at least 32,845 individuals, primarily women and children, in Gaza.
