The Israeli government on Sunday approved a decision to shut down Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based satellite broadcaster that has been seen as a source of pro-terrorism propaganda since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.
The controversial decision, which took several months, is likely to invite criticism that Israel does not respect press freedom as it claims. However, Al Jazeera’s advocacy goes beyond media coverage, and several Al Jazeera employees have been implicated in terrorism.
Perhaps Al Jazeera’s most important role is to broadcast inflammatory claims against Israel before they can be verified or debunked, exposing Israel in the worst light to audiences in the Middle East and around the world.
Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida has become an international celebrity in the Arab and Muslim community for his appearances on Al Jazeera — even though his statements are often undermined by Israel’s victories in subsequent battles. Even if it happens.
At the same time, Al Jazeera has occasionally aired disturbing, if inadvertent, reports about what Hamas is doing to Palestinians in Gaza. Interviews with “street dwellers” occasionally highlighted their dissatisfaction with Hamas.
The Israeli Government Press Office said in a statement:
The government today (Sunday, May 5, 2024) unanimously approved the closure of Al Jazeera, following a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi.
The Minister of Communications will sign the order, which will take effect immediately.
The legislation introduced by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Communications Minister Karhi states that if the prime minister believes that a foreign media channel is harming the country, the communications minister must obtain at least one security opinion and government or government approval. It stipulates that the following can be done: Security Cabinet – Take action against foreign media channels that act against the state.
The measures, confirmed in an order signed by the Minister of Communications, include: closing the station’s offices in Israel, confiscating its broadcasting equipment, preventing its journalists from broadcasting, and banning cable and satellite companies from broadcasting. The station will be removed and its broadcasts will be cut off.website etc.
Having received supporting opinions and taking into account the satisfaction of the Prime Minister in accordance with the law, the proposal was submitted to the Government and was approved unanimously.
Prime Minister Netanyahu added:
Following discussions by the Security Cabinet and on my instructions, the Government today discussed the closure of Al Jazeera in Israel.
Al Jazeera correspondents violated Israeli security and incited attacks against IDF soldiers. The time has come to rid our country of Hamas’ spokesmen.
I appreciate the work of Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi on this issue.
Mr. Karhi added:
We will take immediate action against those who use freedom of the press to violate the safety of Israel and its IDF soldiers and incite terrorism in times of war. Freedom of expression will end for Hamas spokespeople in Israel. Al Jazeera will be shut down immediately and its equipment will be confiscated.
It’s a good thing this moment has come, even though too much time has passed and we’ve dealt with too many legal pitfalls to get to this moment. Decisions are made and implemented. “God will fight for you and you will have peace.” [Exodus 14:14] – You will silence the bickering and agitation of your enemies.
Prime Minister, thank you for your determination and support despite all difficulties. The people of Israel will support you in your path until all objectives of the war are achieved and Hamas is eliminated. “Do all you can to save Israel” (Judges 6:14).
Benny Gantz, a member of the opposition National Unity Emergency Government, said his party supports shutting down Al Jazeera. according to However, there were concerns that the timing could have a negative impact on hostage deal negotiations.
Qatar is one of Egypt’s mediators in Cairo, currently trying to persuade Hamas to agree to release about 130 Israeli hostages remaining in the Gaza Strip, at least 60 of whom are still alive. It is believed that there are.
Al Jazeera has been around for over 20 years. This has sometimes been seen as a liberalizing influence in the Middle East, allowing Arabs to listen to news not controlled by their own governments. However, it also amplified radical voices.
Joel B. Pollack is a senior editor at Breitbart News. Breitbart News Sunday Sunday nights from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM PT) on Sirius XM Patriot. He is the author of a recently published e-book.The Zionist conspiracy (and how to join it)‘ is now available on Audible. He is also the author of an e-book. Neither Free nor Fair: The 2020 US Presidential Election. He is the recipient of the 2018 Robert Novak Journalism Alumni Fellowship. Follow him on Twitter @joelpolak.
