Israel extends ban on Al Jazeera’s operations by 90 days
- Israel officially banned Al Jazeera on January 25, 2026, citing threats to national security.
- The law, approved by the Knesset on May 26, 2024, grants the communications Minister the authority to order the closure of foreign news bureaus and confiscate thier broadcasting...
- Al Jazeera has consistently reported on the conflict between Israel and Hamas, including coverage of the ongoing war in Gaza.
Israel Shuts Down Al Jazeera Amid National Security Concerns
Israel officially banned Al Jazeera on January 25, 2026, citing threats to national security. The ban, enacted thru a law passed in may 2024, allows the government to block foreign news outlets deemed to be endangering the state. Al Jazeera denies the allegations.
The law, approved by the Knesset on May 26, 2024, grants the communications Minister the authority to order the closure of foreign news bureaus and confiscate thier broadcasting equipment. According to a statement released by the Israeli government on January 25, 2026, Al Jazeera’s coverage was “identified with the terrorist Hamas” and posed a “real danger” to the security of Israeli citizens and soldiers. Reuters reported on the law’s passage in May 2024.
Al Jazeera has consistently reported on the conflict between Israel and Hamas, including coverage of the ongoing war in Gaza. The network maintains its reporting is impartial and adheres to journalistic standards. As of January 25,2026,Al Jazeera’s offices in Israel have been closed,and its broadcasts have been blocked.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the ban, calling it “a dangerous escalation in the Israeli government’s efforts to silence critical reporting.” CPJ stated on May 27, 2024, that the law sets a “dangerous precedent” for restricting press freedom.