Women Press Freedom Condemns Israel’s New Law Restricting Foreign Broadcasters

Location: Israel, Jerusalem
Date: May 4, 2024

Women Press Freedom strongly condemns Israel’s banning of Al Jazeera. This decision is a direct assault on press freedom and poses serious challenges to public access to information, critical for informed decision-making in a democratic society. The closure of Al Jazeera's offices in Israel, facilitated by a new law that permits shutting down foreign broadcasters under the guise of national security, not only restricts media freedom but also places journalists in greater peril. We demand that the Israeli government immediately reverse this ban. By limiting journalists' access and ability to report, particularly from conflict zones like Gaza, the ban not only obscures the reality on the ground but also enhances the risks of human rights violations and abuses going unchecked.

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On May 5, 2024, Israeli authorities shut down Al Jazeera's local offices just hours after the government voted to use new laws to close the satellite news network’s operations in the country. The move follows the recent ratification of a law that allows for the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters deemed a national security threat. The law permits Prime Minister Netanyahu and his security cabinet to close Al Jazeera’s offices in Israel for 45 days, with the possibility of renewal.

Israel has already barred foreign journalists from entering Gaza to cover the conflict which killed at least 18 women journalists, as documented by Women Press Freedom. With tight restrictions on reporting from Gaza, the ban further limits the ability of journalists to provide accurate coverage of the conflict, leaving the public in the dark.

Al Jazeera denounced the accusation that it threatened Israeli security as a "dangerous and ridiculous lie" that puts its journalists at risk. "Al Jazeera Media Network strongly condemns and denounces this criminal act that violates human rights and the basic right to access information,” the company stated. “Al Jazeera affirms its right to continue to provide news and information to its global audiences.”

The dangers faced by Al Jazeera's journalists have tragically come to light in recent years. Shireen Abu Akleh, a veteran Palestinian-American journalist, was shot and killed by IDF in 2022 while covering an Israeli military raid in Jenin in the occupied West Bank. Despite wearing a clearly marked press vest, she was fatally shot. 

Timeline: Assassination of Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh

The Al Jazeera ban sets a dangerous precedent, potentially opening the door for future bans on other platforms deemed national security threats. The law is not limited to their initial target and could eventually silence foreign-controlled news outlets that authorities view unfavorably. These concerns are often pretexts to suppress growing criticism of Israel's military actions.

Banning Al Jazeera further denies the public essential access to comprehensive and unbiased information. Al Jazeera has long provided unique insights into the Middle East, giving a voice to the complexities and realities of regional conflicts. By restricting this media outlet, the Israeli government has impeded the public's right to know and access accurate information crucial for informed decision-making. Access to truth is not a privilege; it's a fundamental right in any democratic society.

The imposed media blackout raises questions about what is transpiring on the ground in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Without independent reporting, potential human rights abuses and violations of international law may go unreported, creating an environment where impunity thrives. Limiting access to media like Al Jazeera effectively removes a critical watchdog that holds those in power accountable.

Restricting press freedom leads to dire consequences for society:

• Increased Impunity: Without independent journalists to report on abuses, authorities can act without fear of scrutiny.

• Reduced Transparency: Information vacuums facilitate the spread of misinformation, eroding public trust and undermining democratic norms.

• Silencing Diverse Voices: Marginalized voices, including those of women, are further silenced in an environment already lacking representation.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights criticized the decision to ban Al Jazeera, stating, "We regret the cabinet decision to close Al Jazeera in Israel. A free & independent media is essential to ensuring transparency & accountability. Now, even more so given tight restrictions on reporting from Gaza. Freedom of expression is a key human right. We urge govt to overturn ban."

Israel's decision to ban Al Jazeera sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom and should not be taken lightly. Women Press Freedom demands that the Israeli government reverse this alarming decision and allow Al Jazeera and other media organizations to report freely. We call on the international community to urge the Israeli government to reverse its decision, issue joint statements condemning the ban, challenge the ban in Israeli courts, and call on the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression to intervene.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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