Israeli Knesset approves extension of law allowing closure of foreign media

The Israeli Knesset on Tuesday approved in its second and third readings the extension of the emergency law known as the Al Jazeera Law for two years, under which the Al Jazeera network’s office was closed and its work in Jerusalem and Israel was banned on May 5, 2024.

The Knesset also approved the law's conversion into a permanent law. 

The law allows the communications minister and the prime minister to decide to close foreign channels and confiscate their equipment at any time, without a court order.

Twenty-two MPs voted in favour of the law, while 10 opposed it, including nine Arab members of parliament.