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.”
A democracy where voters are only allowed access to news sources that the government approves of. Israel having another totally, very normal day.
If it makes you feel any better, Israel officially hasn’t been a democracy since 2018.
Gotta fear the ole “freedom of speech” ✅
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.
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.
also in Israel news today is this–the probable shutting down of Al Jazeera’s operations there. Netanyahu says he’ll act swiftly to request the outlet be banned under this new law
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Kinda but unlikely. The US has a constitutional clause against this sort of thing. It would be more difficult to circumvent.
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I think that’s a bit naive.
The constitution is advice. It’s only as powerful as its interpretation and enforcement, and the Supreme Court has shown themselves wildly comfortable writing new flagrantly unconstitutional loopholes when it suits them.
Hasnt he murdered all if their journalists yet?
i want to laugh and cry at the same time…
It’s entirely possible Al Jazeera has an agenda. Arguably probable, given that NYT, WaPo, the BBC and any other “well respected” outlet each has agendas.
The missing bit here is what the alleged relevant agenda is. Proof that Al Jazeera has ulterior motives deleterious to Israel’s interests would go a long way toward making this feel less icky, but that’s apparently a bridge too far for a propaganda claim.
This is a “did you she what she was wearing” level of proof.
Yes, their agenda is to show people what is happening? All press have an agenda.
This dude gives me the same vibes as Mojo Jojo in that episode of The Powerpuff Girls, where he’s protected by a bunch of dumb hippies.
“Not so fast, Mojo Jojo!”
“Help, I’m being oppressed!”
“Not so fast, Powerpuff Girls!”
