Israel Extends Al Jazeera Ban, Citing Security Concerns
On Sunday, the Israeli telecoms regulator extended a ban on Al Jazeera's operations in the country for an additional 45 days, following the cabinet's determination that the broadcaster posed a threat to national security.
The latest move comes after a Tel Aviv court upheld an initial 35-day ban imposed by the government on the grounds of national security concerns, which expired on Saturday.
In a separate ruling, Israel's Supreme Court designated the measure against the Qatari-backed broadcaster as precedent-setting and gave the government until August 8th to present arguments justifying the law's validity.
Al Jazeera has maintained its innocence, stating that its reporting does not incite violence or terrorism and that the ban is excessive.
In a statement, Israel's Communications Ministry confirmed that Al Jazeera's broadcasts on cable and satellite companies, as well as access to its websites, will remain suspended.
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi defended the ban, stating that the law authorized him to take action against foreign broadcasters who endanger our fighters. He expressed confidence that the closure orders would be extended indefinitely given the perceived threats to state security.
Justice Shai Yaniv justified the ban by citing evidence of a close relationship between Al Jazeera and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, accusing the channel of promoting Hamas' agenda.
On May 5th, Israeli authorities raided and shut down Al Jazeera's Jerusalem office for the duration of the Gaza war.
Timeline of Events:
May 5th: Israeli authorities raid Al Jazeera's Jerusalem office, shutting down its operations.n Government-imposed ban: Government imposes a 35-day ban on Al Jazeera's operations in Israel.n Tel Aviv court ruling: Tel Aviv court upholds the initial ban, which expired on Saturday.n Supreme Court ruling: Supreme Court designates the measure as precedent-setting and gives the government until August 8th to justify its validity.n Telecoms regulator extension: Telecoms regulator extends the ban for an additional 45 days, beginning Sunday.
