FILE – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a news conference at the Kiria military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 28, 2023.
Abir Sultan/AP
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Abir Sultan/AP
FILE – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a news conference at Kiria military base in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 28, 2023.
Abir Sultan/Associated Press
TEL AVIV, Israel – Israel’s cabinet has voted to close Al Jazeera Network’s offices in the country, effective immediately.
Writing on X, officially known as Twitter, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government had “unanimously” decided to shut down Israel’s Al Jazeera. He accused the Doha-based network of being a “conduit for incitement” against Israel.
Al Jazeera, which broadcasts in English and Arabic, had previously strongly denied the accusation and said the Israeli leader had “made false accusations in a shameful manner”.
Although Al Jazeera has operated in Gaza throughout the war, relations with Israel have long been tense. In April, the Knesset passed a law giving the government the power to shut down foreign news networks deemed harmful to national security. Some lawmakers accuse Al Jazeera of being “a mouthpiece for Hamas”.
Israel’s decision on Sunday comes as Qatar and Egypt play a key diplomatic role in hostage negotiations between Hamas and Israel.
Netanyahu’s statement was immediately echoed by Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karaei. Kalle said in a statement that Al Jazeera would be shut down immediately and its equipment would be confiscated.
