Israel Expands Authority to Close Foreign Broadcasters Amid Ongoing Tensions

Tue Dec 23 2025 17:24:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Israel's parliament has extended an order allowing the government to shut down foreign media outlets, citing national security threats. Al Jazeera, a frequent critic of Israeli policies, has been significantly affected.

In a recent parliamentary decision, Israel has extended its authority to close foreign broadcasters for the next two years, claiming these outlets pose a national security risk. This move coincides with increasing governmental scrutiny of media coverage, particularly targeting Al Jazeera. The legislation allows closures without court intervention, drawing criticism from civil rights groups regarding press freedoms. The decision to shut down Army Radio is also part of a broader crackdown on journalistic independence.

Israel's parliament has extended an order allowing the government to shut down foreign broadcasters operating in the country.

The legislation, passed by 22 votes to 10, expands temporary powers introduced during the Gaza war to shutter outlets seen as a threat to national security.

It allows the government for the next two years to cease operations of a foreign outlet even in peace time and without the need for a court order.

Originally dubbed the Al Jazeera Law, the powers were used to shut down the Qatari-owned channel's offices and block its broadcasts in May 2024.

Israel accused Al Jazeera - which has been a strong critic of Israel's military campaign in Gaza - of anti-Israel bias and of supporting Hamas in its coverage.

Al Jazeera denied the accusations and condemned Israel's actions, calling it a criminal act and an attack on press freedom.

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) said last year that the temporary order violated freedom of expression, the right to information and freedom of the press.

The legislation extending the order was passed hours after the Israeli cabinet approved a plan to shut down Army Radio, a state-funded station operated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but editorially independent.

Under the plan proposed by Defence Minister Israel Katz, the station will cease operations by 1 March 2026. Katz argued that Army Radio, which employs both active duty soldiers and civilians, no longer serves as a mouthpiece and ear for soldiers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the cabinet meeting that a station broadcasting under military authority was highly unusual, equating it with regimes like North Korea.

The Union of Journalists and Journalists' Organisations announced their intention to petition the High Court against the decision, citing severe infringements on freedom of expression.

Critics argue that the actions reflect a worrying pattern that undermines Israeli democracy.