The Prime Minister of Israel Binyamin Netanyahu promised on Monday, the 1st, to end the broadcaster’s operations Al Jazeera in Israel, calling the outlet a “terror channel” that spreads incitement, after parliament passed a law paving the way for the paper’s closure.
“The terrorist channel Al Jazeera will no longer be shown in Israel. I intend to act immediately in accordance with the new law to put an end to the channel’s activities”, wrote the Israeli prime minister on the social network X. The broadcaster condemned Netanyahu’s allegation of incitement as a “dangerous and ridiculous lie”.
Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, voted in favor of a new law, approved by 70 votes in favor and 10 against, which allows banning the broadcast of content from foreign channels “that threaten the security of the State” and closing their respective offices on Israeli soil .
Al Jazeera broadcaster operates under the ownership of Al Jazeera Media Network, which in turn is funded by the government of Qataris one of the few international vehicles that remained in Israel during the war against the terrorist group Hamas.
Israel have had a difficult relationship with the vehicle for a long time, accusing him of prejudice against Israel. Relations suffered a major crisis almost two years ago, when correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh was killed during an attack Israeli military in West Bank busy. Relations deteriorated further after the outbreak of war in Gaza. In December, an Israeli attack killed an Al Jazeera cameraman.
The broadcaster condemned Netanyahu’s claim of incitement as a “dangerous and ridiculous lie.” Al Jazeera said on Monday that it holds Netanyahu accountable for the safety of its employees and offices, that it would continue what it described as its bold and professional coverage and that it “reserves the right to pursue all legal measures.”
Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said he intends to move forward with the closure. He said Al Jazeera has acted as a “propaganda arm of Hamas” by “encouraging armed struggle against Israel.”
“It is impossible to tolerate a media outlet, with press credentials from the Government Press Office and offices in Israel, acting from within against us, certainly during times of war,” he said.
US says it supports free press
In Washington, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the U.S They don’t always agree with Al Jazeera’s coverage, but they respect its work.
“We support a free and independent press anywhere in the world,” he said. “And much of what we know about what happened in Gaza is because of the reporters who are there doing their jobs, including Al Jazeera reporters.”
Al Jazeera has already been closed or blocked by other governments in the country. Middle Eastincluding Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates It is Egypt./AFP and Associated Press.
Tags: Netanyahu promises put Jazeeras work law passes Israel
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