Tel Aviv Extends Al Jazeera Broadcast Ban in Israel - Kompas.id
The initial 35-day ban imposed by the Israeli government on Al Jazeera has expired, but Israel has decided to extend the ban for an additional 45 days. The ban, which was initially put in place due to national security concerns, has now been prolonged by Israel's telecommunications regulator.
As the ban extension looms, the Tel Aviv Court has upheld the initial 35-day ban on Al Jazeera's operations in Israel. The Israeli cabinet argued that Al Jazeera's broadcasts posed a threat to national security, leading to the decision to extend the ban.
Al Jazeera's Office Closure
Israeli soldiers raided and closed Al Jazeera's offices at a hotel in Jerusalem, leading to the ban on Al Jazeera's operations and broadcasts in Israel. This action was criticized by the UN human rights office and the United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Al Jazeera of encouraging hostility against Israel and inciting the army, stating that it was time to remove the broadcaster from the country. Al Jazeera, on the other hand, rejected the accusations, calling them "dangerous and ridiculous lies."
Legal Proceedings and Reactions
Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi justified the closure of Al Jazeera, stating that it was in accordance with the law and necessary to protect national security. The closure also included blocking access to Al Jazeera's official website and halting its broadcasts on Israeli satellite and cable television providers.
The Israeli Ministry of Communication cited evidence of a close relationship between Al Jazeera and the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas, accusing the channel of promoting Hamas' goals. Al Jazeera, however, denied broadcasting any anti-Israel incitement or terrorism.
Appeal Against Ban Extension
Despite the ban, Al Jazeera plans to appeal against the latest extension, claiming that it is disproportionate. The news agency, headquartered in Qatar, maintains that it has sources from both Israel and Palestine and has been unfairly targeted by Israel.
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