Netanyahu's Cabinet Approves Closure of Al Jazeera's Offices in Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet decided on Sunday to close Al Jazeera's offices in Israel for the duration of the war in Gaza. According to Reuters, Netanyahu wrote on social media after cabinet members unanimously voted against the operation of Al Jazeera, stating: "The inciting network Al Jazeera is being closed in Israel." The cabinet's decision was based on the assertion that the Qatari television network threatens Israel's national security. The government statement indicated that the Israeli Minister of Communications signed an order for "immediate action" to close Al Jazeera, but at least one lawmaker supporting the closure stated that Al Jazeera could still file a lawsuit in an Israeli court to prevent its shutdown. The government statement outlined that the action includes closing Al Jazeera's offices in Israel, confiscating broadcasting equipment, cutting the network's access to cable and satellite companies, and blocking its websites. The Qatari government funds Al Jazeera, which has been highly critical of Israel's military operations in Gaza. The Israeli statement did not mention Al Jazeera's activities in Gaza. Last month, the Israeli parliament passed a law allowing the temporary closure of foreign television networks in Israel deemed a threat to national security. Al Jazeera did not immediately comment on Sunday. This law permits Netanyahu and his security cabinet to close the network's offices in Israel for 45 days, with the possibility of extension. Qatar is mediating for a ceasefire and is attempting to secure an agreement for the release of hostages that could halt the Gaza war. Hamas, hosted by the Qatari government, launched a sudden attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli statistics. This attack initiated the ongoing war in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians. Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas members. Ongoing negotiations in Cairo; Netanyahu: Israel will not agree to a deal leading to the end of the war against Hamas. Israel: Al Jazeera's Palestinian journalist is a member of Hamas's anti-tank missile unit. Two Al Jazeera journalists were killed and injured in Gaza; the White House expressed condolences. Israel also closed the office of the 'Al-Mayadeen' network affiliated with Hezbollah.