Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the law’s passing, saying that “Al Jazeera has harmed Israel’s security, actively participated in the October 7 massacre, and incited against IDF soldiers. It’s time to remove Hamas’ mouthpiece from our country.”
He added: “The terrorist channel Al Jazeera will no longer broadcast from Israel. I intend to take immediate action in accordance with the new law to halt the channel’s activities.”
The bill received support from 71 lawmakers, while 10 opposed it.
The law allows the communications minister, with the prime minister’s consent, to order the cessation of broadcasts of a foreign channel broadcasting in Israel if the prime minister is convinced that its content directly threatens the country’s security. The law states that the decision requires approval from the security cabinet or the government.
So basically an end to press freedom, with cross-party support. Yikes.
Fun fact: colonial-era “sedition” laws still form the foundation of authoritarian, anti-press freedom measures in some former colonies today e.g. Rwanda, Pakistan, Malaysia.
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So basically an end to press freedom, with cross-party support. Yikes.
Religion.
Colonialism.
Fun fact: colonial-era “sedition” laws still form the foundation of authoritarian, anti-press freedom measures in some former colonies today e.g. Rwanda, Pakistan, Malaysia.