Knesset to hold first reading on bill to make ‘Al Jazeera Law’ permanent

Likud MK Ariel Kallner’s proposal to turn the so-called Al Jazeera Law — which permits the closure of foreign media outlets in Israel under certain conditions — into permanent legislation is set for its first reading in the Knesset today, after the Knesset National Security Committee voted in July to prepare the bill for a preliminary reading.

The temporary measure now in effect was passed in April 2024 and provided the prime minister and communications minister with the authority to order the closure of foreign networks operating in Israel and to confiscate their equipment if they have grounds to believe they are “doing real harm to state security.”

It was used to close down Qatari news network Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel in May 2024. It also led to the temporary seizure of equipment belonging to the Associated Press, as it was providing images to Al Jazeera. The law sparked criticism both within Israel and abroad.

Currently, the measure must be regularly renewed until a law is passed to make it permanent.

In addition to codifying the bill, Kallner is also seeking to make several amendments, including removing the current requirement for a court to review or approve the communications minister’s decision to shut down a foreign media outlet — eliminating judicial oversight.

He is also seeking to significantly broaden the minister’s authority, allowing the cabinet member to direct internet platforms and content distributors to block or remove specific materials in Israel and to direct the defense minister to take technical measures — such as disrupting satellite signals — to prevent the reception of broadcasts considered harmful to national security.

If approved in its first reading today, the bill will then move on to the committee process for further approval.