Israel has once again extended its ban on Al Jazeera Media Network's operations by 90 days, effectively keeping the news network closed in the country. The decision was made by Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karahi and comes as a result of ongoing allegations that the network poses a threat to national security.
The ban on Al Jazeera began in May 2024, following a vote by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet, which allowed for the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed a "threat to national security." Since then, Israeli forces have raided Al Jazeera's offices in both Israel and the occupied West Bank, confiscating equipment and documents.
Al Jazeera has repeatedly denied the allegations against it, calling them "slanderous" and saying they will not deter its commitment to providing professional coverage of events in the region. The network has accused Netanyahu of making false accusations against it and has pointed out that suppression of a free press contradicts international and humanitarian law.
The latest move by Israel comes amid growing tensions over media freedom and the handling of war crimes allegations involving Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by Israeli soldiers in 2022, a case that has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
The extension of the ban on Al Jazeera's operations is seen as part of a broader strategy to silence opposition voices and maintain control over the narrative in the region.
The ban on Al Jazeera began in May 2024, following a vote by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet, which allowed for the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed a "threat to national security." Since then, Israeli forces have raided Al Jazeera's offices in both Israel and the occupied West Bank, confiscating equipment and documents.
Al Jazeera has repeatedly denied the allegations against it, calling them "slanderous" and saying they will not deter its commitment to providing professional coverage of events in the region. The network has accused Netanyahu of making false accusations against it and has pointed out that suppression of a free press contradicts international and humanitarian law.
The latest move by Israel comes amid growing tensions over media freedom and the handling of war crimes allegations involving Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by Israeli soldiers in 2022, a case that has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
The extension of the ban on Al Jazeera's operations is seen as part of a broader strategy to silence opposition voices and maintain control over the narrative in the region.