Israel Extends Ban on Al Jazeera Operations for 90 Days
Israel has extended its ban on Al Jazeera Media Network’s operations and the closure of its offices in the country for an additional 90 days, authorities announced on Sunday.
The order, signed by Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karahi, also bars broadcasting companies, internet providers, and YouTube from offering services to the Qatar-based network within Israel.
Background to the Ban
The Israeli government first shut down Al Jazeera’s operations in May 2024, following a cabinet decision led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The move came after Israel’s parliament passed legislation allowing the temporary closure of foreign media outlets deemed a threat to national security.
The decision occurred during the height of Israel’s war on Gaza. Israeli officials have consistently accused Al Jazeera of undermining national security, a claim the network has firmly rejected.
Raids and Legal Extensions
In September 2024, Israeli forces raided Al Jazeera’s office in Ramallah, located in the occupied West Bank. During the operation, troops confiscated equipment and documents before ordering the office to close.
Later, in December, Israel’s parliament approved a two-year extension of the 2024 legislation, widely referred to as the “Al Jazeera law.”
Al Jazeera Rejects Allegations
Walif al-Omari, Al Jazeera Arabic’s bureau chief for Jerusalem and Ramallah, said the latest extension followed a recent assessment by Israel’s security and military agencies. According to the Ministry of Communications, those agencies continue to view Al Jazeera’s reporting as harmful to Israel’s security.
In response, Al Jazeera reiterated its rejection of the accusations. The network said in a statement that Israeli officials had made “slanderous claims” and argued that the ban violates international and humanitarian law.
Al Jazeera added that the measures would not deter its journalism and said it reserves the right to pursue all legal options.
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