Israel’s communications minister announced his intention to explore the potential closure of Al Jazeera’s local bureau on Sunday, accusing the Qatari news station of promoting pro-Hamas incitement and of putting Israeli soldiers at risk of potential attacks from Gaza.
The proposition to close down Al Jazeera has undergone scrutiny by Israeli security authorities and is currently under review by legal experts, stated Shloma Karhi. He further mentioned his intention to present this proposal to the cabinet later in the day.
Al Jazeera and the government in Doha had no immediate comment.
“This is a station that incites, this is a station that films troops in assembly areas (outside Gaza) … that incites against the citizens of Israel – a propaganda mouthpiece,” Karhi told Israel’s Army Radio.
“It is unconscionable that Hamas spokespeople’s message goes through this station,” he said, adding: “I hope we will finish with this today.” It was not clear if the latter statement referred to a cabinet discussion or implementation of a closure.
