Israeli cabinet votes to shut down Al Jazeera over security concerns

Israel's cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has unanimously decided to shut down the operations of Al Jazeera in the country for the duration of the conflict in Gaza.

The decision is based on the belief that the Qatari news network poses a threat to Israel's national security.

In a social media post, Netanyahu announced, "The incitement channel Al Jazeera will be closed in Israel," following the cabinet's vote.

A government statement revealed that Israel's communications minister has been instructed to take immediate action to implement the closure. However, there are indications that Al Jazeera may challenge the decision in court.

The measures to be taken include shutting down Al Jazeera's offices, confiscating its broadcast equipment, discontinuing its transmission on cable and satellite platforms, and blocking its websites.

While Al Jazeera has been critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza and has extensively covered the conflict, the Israeli statement did not specify the network's operations in Gaza.

Last month, Israel's parliament passed a law allowing the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed to threaten national security. This law empowers Netanyahu and the security cabinet to shut down Al Jazeera's operations in Israel for an initial period of 45 days, with the possibility of extension.

Al Jazeera has not yet issued a response to the decision, but it has previously rejected accusations of posing a security threat to Israel and has characterized the move as an attempt to silence the network.

The closure of Al Jazeera's offices in Israel could remain in effect until the end of July or until the conclusion of major military operations in Gaza.

Qatar, which hosts leaders of the Hamas organization, is engaged in efforts to mediate a ceasefire and hostage release agreement to halt the conflict in Gaza.