Jerusalem, June 26, 2024 – Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has moved closer to enshrining the controversial ‘Al Jazeera Law’ as permanent legislation, following a preliminary vote of 51-36 in favor on Wednesday.
The law, initially introduced as a temporary measure, grants the government authority to restrict foreign news networks’ operations within Israel under specific conditions.
Originally passed in April, the current temporary law empowers the prime minister and communications minister to order the closure of foreign networks and seize their equipment if they are deemed to pose a threat to state security. These orders are valid for 45 days and can be renewed for further 45-day periods.
Scheduled to expire on July 31, the proposed permanent bill would extend these restrictions to 90-day renewable periods upon passing all three readings required in the Knesset.
The temporary measure recently led to the closure of Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel and the temporary seizure of Associated Press equipment, actions that drew criticism domestically and internationally.
While Israeli officials have long criticized Al Jazeera’s coverage for its alleged bias towards Hamas and perceived risks to Israeli security, previous administrations had refrained from legislative action.
The law now under consideration grants the communications minister authority, with prime ministerial and security cabinet approval, to order the cessation of broadcasts, closure of Israeli offices, equipment seizures, and website blocking of offending channels.
Likud MK Ariel Kallner, sponsor of the bill, emphasized its goal to safeguard Israeli soldiers and citizens while maintaining press freedom. Critics, however, including Gil Gan-Mor of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, argue that the law could perpetuate constitutional concerns regarding freedom of speech and expression.
As the bill progresses, concerns about its potential impact on media freedoms and constitutional rights are likely to intensify, with legal challenges already underway in the High Court of Justice.