Israel Shuts Down Local Offices Of AI Jazeera

Israeli authorities shut down the local offices of AI Jazeera yesterday, hours after a government vote to use new laws to close the satellite news network's operations in Israel.

- Jason Burke

The move, which comes amid faltering indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire, was branded a "dark day for the media" by critics and raised new concerns about the attitude to free speech of Benjamin Netanyahu's hardline government.

Israeli officials said the move was justified because AI Jazeera was a threat to national security. "The incitement channel AI Jazeera will be closed in Israel," Netanyahu posted on social media after the unanimous cabinet vote.

A government statement said Israel's communications minister had signed orders to "act immediately" to close AI Jazeera's offices in Israel, confiscate broadcast equipment, cut off the channel from cable and satellite companies, and block its websites.

The network, which is funded by Qatar, has been critical of Israel's military operation in Gaza, from where it has reported around the clock during the seven-month-long war.

AI Jazeera said the accusation the network threatened Israeli security was a "dangerous and ridiculous lie" that puts its journalists at risk.