Israel has extended its suspension of Al Jazeera’s activities and ordered a 90‑day closure of the network’s local offices in a directive signed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi. The order bars broadcasters, internet platforms and YouTube from providing services to the Qatar‑based network inside Israel. The move follows a 2024 law allowing temporary closures of foreign broadcasters, a raid on Al Jazeera’s Ramallah bureau, and continuing security claims from Israeli authorities that the network’s broadcasts harm national security. Al Jazeera rejects the accusations and says it will pursue legal remedies.
Israel Extends Suspension Of Al Jazeera Operations For 90 Days Amid Security Claims
The logo of Al Jazeera Media Network is seen on its headquarters in Doha, Qatar [File: Naseem Zeitoon/Reuters]
Israel has renewed its suspension of Al Jazeera Media Network’s operations and ordered the closure of the network’s local offices for an additional 90 days.
What Happened
The directive, signed by Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and announced on Sunday, also bars broadcasters, internet platforms and services — including YouTube — from providing services to Al Jazeera inside Israel.
Legal And Security Context
In May 2024, Israel’s cabinet voted to shut down Al Jazeera’s operations in the country after the Knesset passed a law allowing the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed a threat to national security. That measure, widely referred to as the “Al Jazeera law,” was extended by parliament in December for an additional two years.
Israeli officials say security services and the military consider some of the network’s broadcasts to be “detrimental to security.” Al Jazeera rejects those allegations and has described the measures as an attack on press freedom.
Earlier Incidents And Reactions
In September, Israeli forces raided Al Jazeera’s bureau in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank, confiscating equipment and documents and sealing the office. Al Jazeera’s Arabic bureau chief for Jerusalem and Ramallah, Walid al-Omari, said the latest extension followed a ministry statement that security agencies continued to view the network’s broadcasts as harmful to Israel’s security.
Al Jazeera has said the Israeli accusations are "slanderous" and vowed to pursue legal remedies. In a May 2024 statement the Qatar-based network said these steps violate international standards on press freedom and that it would continue its reporting.
Broader Context
Al Jazeera and its staff have been targeted by Israeli measures over several years: in 2017 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to close the network’s Jerusalem office, and in 2021 a missile strike destroyed the building that housed its Gaza office. During the recent conflict in Gaza and the West Bank, more than 200 Palestinian journalists have been reported killed; among them were Al Jazeera staff and, in some cases, family members of journalists.
In May 2022, veteran Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh was shot and killed while reporting in the occupied West Bank. Israeli forces initially denied responsibility but later acknowledged there was a “high possibility” that one of its soldiers had been involved.
The situation has drawn international attention, including scrutiny by human-rights bodies and inquiries related to alleged violations in Gaza; some Israeli leaders have faced scrutiny from the International Criminal Court in connection with allegations arising from the fighting.
Al Jazeera Statement: “Such slanderous accusations will not deter us from continuing our bold and professional coverage, and we reserve the right to pursue every legal step.”
The 90‑day extension keeps in place restrictions that limit Al Jazeera’s ability to operate inside Israel and to access Israeli-based platforms and services, while legal and diplomatic challenges continue.
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