Israeli cabinet to discuss banning Al Jazeera, say reports

The Israeli cabinet is set to discuss legislation that would ban Al Jazeera's coverage in Israel, several Israeli media outlets reported on Wednesday.

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi has prepared emergency legislation to approve the closure of Al Jazeera, the Qatari-based international news channel, “until the end of the war”, the reports said.

Al Jazeera is one of the few global media channels that has a physical presence in Gaza and Israel. 

According to Israeli media, the proposed legislation is set to be discussed this evening. 

On Saturday, hundreds of Palestinian fighters stormed into Israel by land, sea and air, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking scores more captive. In response, Israel has been relentlessly bombing the Gaza Strip, killing at least 1,055 Palestinians.

Israel has barred anyone from leaving or entering Gaza, which it has put under complete siege, cutting off water, electricity and food. International coverage of the Israeli bombardment, therefore, has fallen to media organisations already on the ground, such as Al Jazeera. 

The Qatari TV channel has had a difficult relationship with Israel, most recently over the May 2022 killing of veteran Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh. 

Israel repeatedly denied that its soldiers had shot the reporter, with various investigations proving their claims incorrect.

Middle East Eye has contacted Al Jazeera Media Network for comment.