A controversial law passed by the Israeli Knesset is raising serious concerns about media freedom within Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. The updated emergency law, dubbed the “Al Jazeera Law” by some, grants the government sweeping powers to shut down media outlets deemed hostile to its narrative, according to Walid al-Omari, the Al Jazeera bureau chief in Palestine.
Al-Omari warns that the law’s implications extend far beyond simply targeting Al Jazeera. He suggests that the legislation is designed to silence any media organization, whether international, regional, or local, that presents a viewpoint differing from that of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. The law was extended for two years and turned into a permanent legislation, without a state of emergency.
“The new version of the law clearly intends to close all local, international, and regional media outlets that the government deems hostile,” al-Omari stated.
The crackdown on media has already begun, according to reports. Al-Omari noted the recent closure of the army radio station and the defense minister’s ban on soldiers and officers speaking to the Haaretz newspaper, known for its critical stance towards the government.
The law’s reach is not limited to Israel proper. Al-Omari emphasizes that the updated legislation allows the defense minister to apply the law to media outlets operating in the West Bank, without requiring the approval of the military commander in charge. This, he argues, means that Al Jazeera and other media in the West Bank could face the same restrictions as those within Israel. Al-Omari claims that the Netanyahu government views the West Bank as part of Israel, a sentiment echoed by Defense Minister Katz.
Furthermore, al-Omari anticipates that the law will be used to prevent Al Jazeera from operating in the occupied territories, including the Syrian Golan Heights. The law was passed with 22 members voting in favor of permanently closing Al Jazeera’s offices, while 10 members, including 9 Arab MKs, opposed it. The law grants the communications minister the right to extend the closure of Al Jazeera’s offices.
The passage of this law has ignited fears of a significant erosion of press freedom and independent reporting within the region.
