A bill aimed at closing down the offices of foreign networks deemed to be working against the interests of the state, including Al Jazeera, has passed its second and third readings in the Israeli Knesset, as reported by the Israeli Public Broadcaster.
The proposed law, designed to prevent the operation of Qatar-based media network Al Jazeera and similar entities within Israel, grants the Minister of Communications authority to take action against foreign channels perceived to be undermining the security of the state. Such measures would require approval from the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers or the government.
Among the potential measures outlined in the bill are the closure of offices, confiscation of broadcast equipment, prevention of the channel’s reports from being aired, removal of the channel from cable and satellite networks, and blocking of its websites, among others.
The bill was put forward by Minister of Communications Shlomo Karhi, who stressed the necessity of addressing those who ‘exploit’ press freedom to jeopardise Israel’s security and harm its soldiers. Karhi expressed confidence that the law would be approved during the Knesset’s plenary session on Monday, paving the way for immediate action against foreign channels deemed to pose a threat to the state’s security.
Committee Chairman Knesset member Zvika Foghel hailed the approval of the draft law as a crucial component of Israel’s defensive measures.