Foreign media networks closer to shutting down in Israel
The Knesset passed a preliminary motion on the 26th June that would allow the communications minister to close down foreign media networks in Israel, reported Middle East Monitor. The bill, informally known as the “Al Jazeera Law”, was introduced by Ariel Kallner and passed by 51 votes to 36.
The bill would give the prime minister and communications minister powers to confiscate broadcasting equipment from a network if it poses as a “real threat security”. Media measures were previously in place and set to expire on the 31st of July. Once the bill is passed after 3 readings in the Knesset, the law would become permanent.
Al Jazeera was banned last month by the Israeli government resulting in their offices being closed along with restricted public access to its website. The Qatari news agency viewed the ban as a “blatant attack on press freedom”. The moves to ban the broadcaster attracted widespread criticism from international organisations.
READ: Netanyahu vows to take “immediate action” in banning Al Jazeera
Kallner stated that she supported freedom of press but “not at the expense of the safety of our soldiers and citizens”. The Knesset member stated the ban was necessary to protect Israeli soldiers and prevent “hostile” news agencies operating within Israel.
The full implications of the law will only be explored as it passes through the legislative process stated Gil Gan-Mor, the head of the Israeli Association for Civil Rights stated to the Times of Israel.
Gan-Mor further criticised the Israeli government who was pursuing a goal similar to “totalitarian countries”. The government official added that the passing of the bill was a “very bad thing” that would become a permanent “violation of freedom of speech”.
Al Jazeera has extensively covered the Israeli offensive into Gaza and heavily criticised actions of the IDF in the enclave. Court documents show that Al Jazeera told judicial authorities that it did not incite violence or terrorism and that the ban was disproportionate.
Middle East Monitor and agencies
