Israel’s parliament has voted to extend a controversial law that allows the government to shut down foreign media outlets, effectively prolonging the ban on Al Jazeera for an additional two years. The legislation, approved by the Knesset, will now remain in force until 2027, further restricting press freedom within Israel.

The extension replaces temporary emergency legislation first passed in April 2024 and introduces amendments that significantly reduce judicial oversight over government decisions affecting foreign media.

Expanded Powers to Shut Down Foreign Media

The law grants the Israeli prime minister and communications minister sweeping authority to order the closure of foreign news organisations operating in Israel if they are deemed to pose a threat to “national security.” Under the revised legislation, authorities may also confiscate broadcasting equipment, block websites, and halt transmissions, even when Israel is not formally under a state of emergency.

Critics argue that the amendments weaken democratic safeguards by allowing executive action without meaningful court review, raising concerns about censorship and abuse of power.

Al Jazeera Shut Down in Israel Since 2024

In May 2024, weeks after the original law was enacted, Israel ordered the closure of Al Jazeera’s operations within the country. The network’s offices were shut, its equipment seized, and access to its television broadcasts and website blocked inside Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly defended the move, accusing the Qatar-based broadcaster of harming Israel’s security and inciting violence. In a post on X at the time, Netanyahu claimed Al Jazeera had “actively participated” in events surrounding October 7, allegations the network has strongly denied.

Al Jazeera Rejects Accusations, Cites Press Freedom

Al Jazeera has repeatedly rejected the Israeli government’s claims as “slanderous accusations”, warning that the ban violates international law and press freedom standards.

In a statement following the shutdown in 2024, the network said Israel’s actions represented a serious assault on independent journalism and held Israeli authorities responsible for the safety of its journalists and offices worldwide.

The broadcaster also stated that it would continue its reporting and reserve the right to pursue all available legal avenues in response to the ban.

A History of Tensions Between Israel and Al Jazeera

The extension of the law comes amid a long-running and often hostile relationship between Israel and Al Jazeera. In 2017, Netanyahu threatened to close the network’s Jerusalem office. In 2021, an Israeli air strike destroyed a building in Gaza that housed Al Jazeera’s offices during hostilities.

Since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, Al Jazeera journalists have been among the most affected members of the press. Multiple reporters and, in some cases, their family members have been killed during Israeli attacks. According to press freedom groups, more than 200 Palestinian journalists have been killed during the conflict.

Killing of Shireen Abu Akleh Remains a Symbolic Case

One of the most prominent cases involving Al Jazeera was the killing of veteran journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in May 2022 while she was reporting in the occupied West Bank. Initially, Israeli officials denied responsibility, but later acknowledged a “high possibility” that an Israeli soldier was responsible.

Her death sparked global outrage and intensified scrutiny of Israel’s treatment of journalists, particularly those reporting from Palestinian territories.

Press Freedom Concerns Intensify

Media rights organisations and press freedom advocates warn that extending the law deepens concerns about freedom of expression in Israel, especially amid ongoing conflict. They argue that targeting a major international broadcaster sets a dangerous precedent and undermines Israel’s democratic image.

Despite international criticism, the Al Jazeera ban remains fully in force, with no indication that Israeli authorities plan to reverse the decision before the law expires in 2027.