Israeli Minister Orders Ban of Al Jazeera in West Bank
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered the ban of Al Jazeera in the West Bank, following the decision by the Tel Aviv government to terminate the network’s broadcasts in Israel and shut down its offices.
After the Israeli government decided to end Al Jazeera’s activities in Israel, Gallant instructed Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi to extend the ban to the West Bank region as well. It is not yet clear whether the ban will also apply to areas where Palestinians reside, or only to areas where illegal Jewish settlers are located.
In response to questions from The Times of Israel newspaper, army officials stated that they are working to implement the ban order. This decision comes after the Israeli government unanimously accepted a proposal to terminate Al Jazeera’s activities in Israel, close its offices, and confiscate its equipment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision on social media, stating, “The government I lead has unanimously decided to end the provocative Al Jazeera in Israel.” The ban includes stopping the network’s broadcasts, blocking access to its websites, closing its offices, and confiscating its equipment.
The ban on Al Jazeera in Israel and the West Bank has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about freedom of the press and the implications for media coverage in the region. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the media landscape in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
