Israel’s parliament has approved an extension of legislation that allows the government to close foreign media outlets operating within the country, a move critics say threatens press freedom and public access to independent information. The legislation, passed by 22 votes to 10, builds on temporary powers first introduced during the Gaza war, enabling authorities to shutter broadcasters deemed a threat to national security—even during peacetime and without requiring a court order.
The original law, popularly called the "Al Jazeera Law," was used in May 2024 to shut down the Qatari-owned news channel’s offices and block its broadcasts. Israel accused Al Jazeera of anti-Israel bias and of supporting Hamas in its reporting. The channel denied the allegations, condemning Israel’s actions as a “criminal act” and a direct attack on press freedom. Human rights groups, including the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), argued that the temporary order violated fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, the right to information, and press freedom, limiting citizens’ access to diverse perspectives not reflected in Israeli media.
The extended powers were passed shortly after the Israeli cabinet approved plans to shut down Army Radio, or Galei Tzahal (GLZ), a state-funded radio station operated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but historically known for its editorial independence. Defence Minister Israel Katz justified the move by stating that Army Radio “no longer serves as a mouthpiece and ear for soldiers” and broadcasts politically divisive content that conflicts with IDF values. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added that a military-operated station of this nature is “highly unusual” and compared it to the media systems of North Korea, emphasizing that Israel should avoid being associated with such models.
The decision to close Army Radio has sparked fierce opposition from journalists and civil society groups. The Union of Journalists and Journalists’ Organisations announced plans to petition the High Court of Justice, labeling the closure a “severe and unlawful infringement on freedom of expression and freedom of the press.” Analysts from the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) warned that shutting down the station would eliminate half of Israel’s independent public radio news broadcasts and is indicative of a broader trend undermining democratic norms in the country.
Critics argue that these measures, which target both foreign and domestic outlets, signal growing control over media and a shrinking space for independent reporting in Israel. As the country navigates a complex security landscape, the debate between national security and freedom of the press continues to ignite intense controversy among policymakers, journalists, and the public alike.