The Chairman of the Knesset National Security Committee, MK Zvika Vogel (Otzma Yehudit), has made significant changes to the bill allowing the closure of foreign media in Israel, citing concerns about potential threats to national security. Specifically, the bill targets the Al-Jazeera channel in Israel.
These changes were introduced before the bill's first reading in the Knesset.
Under the bill's original version, the decision to shut down a specific media outlet rested with the Minister of Defense and the military-political cabinet.
However, the updated version shifts this authority to the Minister of National Security and the Minister of Communications. The decisions made by these ministers will be subject to approval by the National Security Commission, which Vogel chairs.
Notably, these decisions will no longer require court approval and can only be challenged after they have been enacted.
Furthermore, these decisions will not be limited to times of war.
Recalling events from October 2023, after the onset of the War of Iron Swords, the government proposed administrative orders to halt the operations of foreign media in Israel, primarily targeting the Qatari TV channel Al Jazeera.
However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu halted the process. The decision followed revelations from the IDF Spokesperson Unit regarding a suspected link between a journalist from the TV channel and Hamas.
According to Kan, citing the army press service, an individual from the Al-Bureij refugee camp has been an active member of Hamas since 2022, participating in activities associated with the organization's military wing.
Once the law is approved, the government will have the authority to issue a decree to cease Al Jazeera's activities in Israel, close its bureau, and seize its assets.
Whether access to the channel's website will be blocked, similar to the actions taken against the Al-Mayadeen TV channel's website, remains uncertain.
