International organization, United Nations, advocates for press freedom following Israel's prohibition of Al Jazeera news network
In a significant development, the Israeli parliament passed a law on April 1, granting the Minister of Communications, with the Prime Minister's approval, the power to halt the activities of foreign media in Israel if their activities pose a threat to state security [1]. This decision comes as the Israeli government has already taken steps to restrict Al Jazeera's operations in the country.
The vote to formally ban Al Jazeera's operations in Israel was scheduled a few days ago but was postponed due to concerns about its potential impact on ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip [1]. This postponement does not signify a reversal of the Israeli government's decision to stop broadcasting Al Jazeera, but rather a delay in the formal process of banning the channel's operations.
The Israeli government's decision to stop broadcasting Al Jazeera was justified by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu due to the channel's provocative activities [1]. These activities have been widely criticised, with journalist organisations such as the International Federation of Journalists and the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate condemning the measures taken against Al Jazeera [1].
The Israeli government's decision has also been met with opposition from foreign governments. Australian government official Dujarrik expressed his opposition to decisions that restrict press freedom [1]. He considers press freedom an essential tool for public awareness and engagement.
As of August 2025, Al Jazeera's operations in Israel and the occupied West Bank remain severely restricted. Israeli forces have extended the closure of Al Jazeera's bureau in Ramallah, West Bank, for another 60 days [1]. The office was initially shut down in September 2024 by a court order citing an intelligence assessment that accused the bureau of being used to incite terror and support terrorist activities [1].
In response to these restrictive conditions, the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate has opened a new Media Solidarity Centre in Gaza City to support journalists [1].
It is important to note that the law passed on April 1 allows the Israeli government to stop the activities of foreign media if they are deemed harmful to state security, but does not necessarily mean that Al Jazeera will be banned immediately [1]. The potential impact of the decision to ban Al Jazeera on ongoing ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip is a concern.
References: [1] "Israeli parliament passes law to stop foreign media activities harmful to state security," Al Jazeera, April 1, 2022. [Link] [1] "Israel extends closure of Al Jazeera bureau in Ramallah for 60 days," Al Jazeera, August 4, 2025. [Link]
The Israeli government's decision to halt the activities of foreign media poses a threat to press freedom, particularly in the context of Al Jazeera, as the potential impact of the decision on ongoing ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip is a concern. This decision aligns with the Israeli government's ongoing efforts to restrict Al Jazeera's operations, which have been widely criticized by journalistic organizations such as the International Federation of Journalists and the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate.
