Shutdown threat: When has Israel targeted Al Jazeera before?
Al Jazeera
Netanyahu has repeatedly called to shut down Al Jazeera in Israel, while the Israeli army has attacked its reporters.
Israel’s parliament passed a law on Monday that allows temporary shutdowns of foreign media in Israel including — and perhaps principally — Al Jazeera.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said several times he intends to shutter Al Jazeera in Israel.
The law allows for the closure of foreign media bureaus for up to 45 days, a renewable period, and would stay in effect until the end of July or until major military operations in Gaza conclude.
It also allows for the confiscation of their equipment if it is believed they pose “harm to the state’s security”.
“Al Jazeera harmed Israel’s security, actively participated in the October 7 massacre, and incited against Israeli soldiers,” Netanyahu said in a post on X on Monday. “I intend to act immediately in accordance with the new law to stop the channel’s activity.”