Temporary Law Allows Israeli Government to Censor Foreign News Networks

Law allowing government to temporarily shut down Al Jazeera in Israel passed by Knesset https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-urges-knesset-to-pass-law-allowing-shuttering-of-al-jazeera/

Monday night, the Knesset approved what is dubbed the ‘Al Jazeera law,’ which gives the government temporary powers to prevent foreign news networks from operating in Israel if seen as a threat to national security. The law passed 71 to 10 in its second and third readings in the plenum. 

The proposition is headed by Communications Minister Shlomo Khari, who promises to shut down the Qatari-funded Al Jazeera news network in the coming days. His reason for this is, quote, “there won’t be freedom of expression for Hamas mouthpieces in Israel. We have brought to fruition an effective and swift tool against those who use freedom of the press to harm Israel’s security and IDF soldiers, and who incite to terrorism during a time of war,” end quote. The law is temporary and will expire on July 31 or earlier if the declaration of emergency is lifted. 

Under the law, an order to shut down a foreign news channel is valid for 45 days, but can be renewed for another 45 day period. Broadcasting can be ceased, Israeli offices can be shuttered, equipment can be confiscated, websites can be taken offline or blocked in Israel. The US expresses concern over this legislation. The White House Press Secretary Katie Jean-Pierre says, “We believe in the freedom of the press. It is critically important. The United States supports the critically important work journalists around the world do, and that includes those who are reporting on the conflict in Gaza. If those reports are true, it is concerning to us.”.