Israel extends law allowing it to shut down foreign broadcasters with expanded powers, affecting press freedom and independent media. Details and implications.
news, Israel, press freedom, foreign broadcasters, Al Jazeera, Army Radio, media law, parliament
Israel Extends Law to Shut Down Foreign Broadcasters
Israel’s parliament has approved an extension of powers that enable the government to shut down foreign broadcasters operating within the country. This move raises new questions about press freedom and independent media in Israel.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
- The legislation was passed with a vote of 22 to 10 in parliament.
- Initially adopted during the Gaza war, the law was intended as a temporary measure but is now extended for two more years.
- The government can now suspend the operations of a foreign broadcast outlet at any time — even in peacetime and without a court order.
The “Al Jazeera Law”
The law, first enacted as the so-called “Al Jazeera Law,” was used in May 2024 to shut down Al Jazeera‘s offices and broadcasts. The Israeli government accused the network of anti-Israel bias and allegedly supporting Hamas through its coverage. Al Jazeera denied the claims, labeling the shutdown as a “criminal act” and a direct attack on press freedom.
Criticism and Reaction
Freedom of Expression Concerns
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) criticized the initial temporary order. ACRI stated that the law undermines, “freedom of expression, the right to information and freedom of the press,” and prevents access to information not aligned with official Israeli narratives or available via local media channels.
Impact on Domestic Media: The Case of Army Radio
On the same day this legislation was extended, the Israeli cabinet approved a proposal to shut down Army Radio (Galei Tzahal, or GLZ), an IDF-operated yet editorially independent station. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the station will cease operations by March 1, 2026. He claimed the outlet now broadcasts, “political and divisive content that is not in line with IDF values.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed concerns over the military-operated media station, noting, “I think it exists in North Korea and maybe a few other countries, and we probably don’t want to be counted among them.”
Response from Journalists and Civil Society
The Union of Journalists and other media organizations have announced their intention to petition the High Court of Justice against the decision, calling the move, “a severe and unlawful infringement on freedom of expression and freedom of the press.”
The Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) warned that shutting Army Radio, “effectively wipes out half of Israel’s independent public radio news broadcasts,” and represents a broader pattern of threats to Israeli democracy.
Broader Implications for Israeli Democracy
This extension of the law to shut down foreign broadcasters, combined with efforts to close Army Radio, suggests a wider contraction of media freedom in Israel, according to both local and international watchdogs. These moves have prompted debate within Israel and concerns from global organizations advocating for freedom of the press.
Further Reading
- For a detailed background on Israel’s media laws and their effects, see our Media Freedom in Israel Overview article.
- For context and international reaction, read the original BBC report.
Conclusion
The recent actions by Israel’s parliament and cabinet have intensified debates around press freedom and democracy. With expanded powers to silence foreign and independent domestic media, the coming years may see continued legal and civic challenges.