Watan-The Israeli government has decided to close the Qatar-based Al Jazeera channel’s office in Israel following a vote by Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet.

Al Jazeera quoted the Israeli Broadcasting Authority as stating that Netanyahu’s office announced the unanimous passing of the decision to close Al Jazeera in Israel by the cabinet.

It added that ministers from the official coalition did not participate in the session to vote on the decision to close the Qatari channel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on his “X” account following the meeting: “My government, under my leadership, has unanimously decided to close the Al Jazeera incitement channel in Israel.”

Decision Implemented Immediately

Israeli Minister of Communications Shlomo Karai said in a statement that the decision would be implemented immediately.

He added that they faced many unnecessary legal obstacles until they finally managed to shut down Al Jazeera, which Netanyahu repeatedly described as a propaganda machine harming Israel’s security.

Knesset Approval to Close Al Jazeera

The Israeli Knesset recently approved a law granting the government temporary powers to prevent foreign news networks from operating in Israel if they are deemed to “harm national security.”

The law allows the Minister of Communications to order content providers to cease broadcasting the concerned channel, close its offices, seize its equipment, shut down its website, or block access to it.

These orders are valid for 45 days but can be renewed for further periods, each lasting 45 days.