Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a decisive move to close the offices of the Qatar-owned broadcaster Al Jazeera within the nation. The announcement, made on the social platform ‘X’, comes amidst heightened tensions during the Israel-Hamas war and at a critical juncture when Qatar is mediating a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
The Israeli government’s stance is clear: Al Jazeera is perceived as a channel that promotes terrorism. This perception led to the passing of legislation by the Israeli Parliament last month, enabling the closure of foreign broadcasters deemed a threat to national security. Netanyahu has committed to halting Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel, accusing it of incitement.
In a robust rebuttal, Al Jazeera has denounced Netanyahu’s allegations as dangerously false. The network holds the Prime Minister accountable for the safety of its staff and facilities, asserting its journalists’ dedication to fearless and impartial reporting. Al Jazeera has also affirmed its right to pursue legal avenues if necessary.
The relationship between Israel and Al Jazeera has been fraught with conflict for years, with Israel accusing the broadcaster of bias. The situation worsened approximately two years ago following the death of Al Jazeera correspondent Shirin Abu Aqleh during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank. Throughout the war, Al Jazeera has been one of the few international media outlets reporting from Gaza, showcasing the harrowing realities of conflict and leveling serious accusations against Israel, which, in turn, has accused the network of siding with Hamas.
