Israel is planning to close Doha-based news outlet Al Jazeera office in Jerusalem and censor its transmissions on claims of supporting terrorism and inciting violence. It also plans to revoke the media credentials of its journalists. Israeli Communications Minister Ayoub Kara announced that both Arabic- and English-language channels will be taken off air. The announcement was made during a press conference where the journalists of Al Jazeera weren’t allowed to attend.The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Al Jazeera of incitement. Kara said that the decision is based on a similar one taken by Sunni Arab countries to close the offices of Al Jazeera, further adding that he is expecting the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, to consider this request in its next session. He went on to say that Al Jazeera has become the key tool to ISIS, Hezbollah, and Iran. Netanyahu congratulated Kara in a tweet for following his instructions and taking steps to end “the incitement of Al Jazeera”. Al Jazeera reacts to closure calls In response, the news organization condemned the move in a statement and said that it will pursue the necessary legal measures towards it. Al Jazeera…
Israel Plans to Close Office of Al Jazeera in Jerusalem, Ban Its Journalists
August 7, 2017
