The Israeli Government Press Office (GPO) announced it will revoke press credentials for Al Jazeera journalists working in Israel, following a unanimous government decision in May to shut down the channel’s operations in the country and prohibit its broadcasts.
GPO Director Nitzan Chen stated that Al Jazeera disseminates false content, inciting hostility against Israelis and Jews, and poses a threat to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. “The use of GPO cards in the course of the journalists’ work could in itself jeopardize state security at this time of military emergency,” Chen said.
The revocation will affect Al Jazeera journalists and broadcasters in both Hebrew and Arabic but will exclude producers and photographers. The decision will remain in place for the duration of the current Knesset legislation and the temporary order governing the channel’s ban in Israel. Journalists affected by the decision will have the opportunity for a hearing.–News Desk