In an unprecedented and forceful action, the Israeli government has enacted a total ban on Al Jazeera's operations within the nation. This decision, emerging from an intensely charged Knesset debate, highlights the escalating alarm over Al Jazeera’s persistent dissemination of dangerously misleading propaganda and stark antisemitic rhetoric amidst the severe Israel-Hamas confrontation.
The network, a branch of the Al Jazeera Media Network and receiving substantial backing from the Qatari government, faced relentless scrutiny over its controversial reporting. The final straw was a grossly misleading report during the conflict, where Al Jazeera outrageously claimed that an Israeli missile had obliterated over 500 Palestinians near the Al-Ahli hospital. This alarming accusation was later debunked and identified as a failed rocket from Gaza, not an Israeli attack.
#BREAKING Israel's cabinet voted unanimously to shut down Al Jazeera in Israel
— Lahav Harkov 🎗️ (@LahavHarkov) May 5, 2024
With a robust endorsement from Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara and propelled by recent Knesset legislation, the Israeli Communications Minister now wields the power to shut down foreign networks like Al Jazeera deemed as national security threats. This new law directly counters Al Jazeera’s sustained misinformation campaigns against Israel, which include distorted live feeds and prejudiced reporting from Gaza.
The law also enables the confiscation of broadcasting equipment to curb the spread of detrimental narratives. Al Jazeera, facing substantial repercussions from this closure, has remained silent on these developments.
The decision of Prime Minister and Minister of Communications to close the Al Jazeera channel in Israel has now passed unanimously. https://t.co/GEkzurEsBC
— Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) May 5, 2024
This shutdown forms a critical part of Israel’s strategy to reinforce its national security and uphold information integrity amid its intensified military conflict with Hamas, triggered by a horrific assault on October 7, 2023, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and thousands more injured or captured. This resolute measure against Al Jazeera is a testament to Israel’s unwavering commitment to combating misinformation and preserving truth in the face of ongoing turmoil.
In a remarkable display of unity, the decision was passed without opposition—ministers from the state camp abstained from voting, not attending the cabinet meeting.
Good! About time.
— Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) May 5, 2024
Israel's cabinet votes to unanimously shut down Al Jazeera terror station in Israel.
Although initially slated for discussion in the political and security cabinet, opposition from the Mossad and Shin Bet heads—concerned about potential impacts on hostage recovery efforts and Qatari mediation—delayed the vote. The decision was ultimately moved to a full government session, where it was swiftly enacted.
