Al Jazeera is determined to defend its journalists through legal means after Israel’s decision to shut down the network, labeling the move as “slanderous.” The Israeli cabinet unanimously voted to close Al Jazeera’s operations in the country, ordering an immediate shutdown of its offices and banning its broadcasts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the announcement, followed by footage released by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi showing Israeli authorities, including Ministry of Communications inspectors backed by the police, raiding Al Jazeera’s office in East Jerusalem and seizing equipment.
The shutdown follows the passing of a law by Israel’s parliament on April 1, allowing the temporary closure of foreign media outlets, including Al Jazeera, if they are deemed a security threat. According to the law, the Al Jazeera website is banned in Israel, including access via passwords, whether stored on Israeli servers or elsewhere. The television channel is also completely banned, with cable providers displaying a message of prohibition. However, some in East Jerusalem claim they can still access the channel.
Political analyst Akiva Eldar described the shutdown as a populist move to appease public opinion disappointed with the government’s actions in Gaza and internationally. He noted that it also aims to satisfy far-right partners in Netanyahu’s government, many of whom hold key positions in the cabinet.
