In a significant move that has raised concerns about press freedom, the Israeli government has approved new emergency regulations that could allow the temporary shutdown of Al Jazeera’s bureaus within the country. The decision to implement these regulations comes in the midst of the ongoing conflict with Hamas and is based on the claim that Al Jazeera’s reports are detrimental to national security.
The newly approved regulations are retroactive, which means that broadcasts by the Qatari-based news network since the commencement of the conflict can now serve as a basis for the government to consider shutting down Al Jazeera’s local branch.
The decision to shut down Al Jazeera will not be taken lightly. It must go through a rigorous process to ensure it is in accordance with the law and is truly necessary for national security. The key aspects of this process include:
- Security Cabinet Approval: The decision to close Al Jazeera’s offices must be approved by the Israeli Security Cabinet.
- Legal Opinions by Security Establishment: The security establishment will need to provide legal opinions that clearly demonstrate that Al Jazeera is indeed harming national security.
- District Court Review: The proposed shutdown is also subject to review by a district court to ensure that the decision aligns with the law.
The emergency regulations have a specific timeframe. They will be in place for a duration of three months or until the government formally ends the state of emergency. This timeframe ensures that these measures are temporary and do not lead to long-term limitations on press freedom.
The initiative to pass these regulations has been led by Israel’s Communications Minister, Shlomo Karhi. Minister Karhi asserts that Al Jazeera’s broadcasts and reports are considered a form of incitement against Israel. He claims they assist organizations like Hamas and ISIS by providing them with propaganda and encourage violence against the state of Israel.
It’s important to note that no immediate action to close down Al Jazeera’s operations will be taken. Minister Karhi is expected to review the network’s coverage thoroughly. A final decision would require the approval of the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant.
This move has not been without controversy. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Israeli authorities to reverse their decision. They argue that allowing the government to close media outlets during states of emergency is a concerning development that could have far-reaching implications for press freedom in Israel. CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator, Sherif Mansour, expressed these concerns.
The decision to potentially shut down Al Jazeera’s offices in Israel has prompted a debate on the balance between national security and press freedom. It is a matter that will be closely watched by both local and international media organizations.
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3.https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/israeli-government-poised-to-shut-down-al-jazeera