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On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Qatar-based news station Al Jazeera would no longer be permitted to broadcast from Israel, labeling the outlet “Hamas’ mouthpiece.”

“Al Jazeera has harmed Israel's security, actively participated in the October 7 massacre, and incited against IDF soldiers. It's time to remove Hamas' mouthpiece from our country,” he wrote on X, translated from Hebrew.

Earlier on Monday, Israeli lawmakers in the Knesset passed a measure, granting Netanyahu and the nation’s communications minister authority to temporarily shut down foreign media outlets and confiscate their equipment if they are deemed a “security risk” to Israel. 

The law was passed in a 71-10 vote, and Netanyahu indicated he intended to immediately enforce the ban. 

“The terrorist channel Al Jazeera will no longer broadcast from Israel. I intend to take immediate action in accordance with the new law to halt the channel's activities,” the prime minister added in his post. “I welcome the law promoted by Communications Minister Shlomo Karai with the support of coalition members led by coalition chairman Ofir Katz.”

Under the law, Al Jazeera’s Israel office would be shut down for 45 days, but can be renewed. The ban will be in effect until July 31, or earlier if the emergency situation declaration is lifted by the government, Reuters reported. 

Israeli officials have claimed that the news station has put out pro-Hamas messaging, and accused them of endangering Israeli soldiers in the ongoing Gaza offensive. 

Karhi said that Israel could no longer tolerate the media outlet being credentialed from their own press office “acting from within against us,” particularly in wartime, according to Reuters.

During Monday’s press briefing, the White House called the temporary ban on the news outlet “concerning,” citing freedom of the press. 

“I'm going to refer to Israel for what they may or may not be considering,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at the press briefing. “If it is true, a move like this is concerning.”

Others have objected to the Al Jazeera decision, including the National Press Club. 

“At this pivotal juncture for Israeli democracy, any moves by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to end Al Jazeera's reporting from Israel would be reminiscent of actions taken by illiberal governments to crack down on journalism they felt threatened their hold on power. Such anti-press freedom actions are unworthy of a fellow democracy that prizes its close relationship with the U.S. government and the American people,” it said.

“Al Jazeera holds the Israeli Prime Minister responsible for the safety of its staff and Network premises around the world, following his incitement and this false accusation in a disgraceful manner,” the outlet said in a statement. “Al Jazeera reiterates that such slanderous accusations will not deter us from continuing our bold and professional coverage, and reserves the right to pursue every legal step.”

In 2021, Al Jazeera accepted an award from Hamas for its coverage of hostilities between itself and Israel. Images of Al Jazeera’s Gaza bureau chief Wael al-Dahdouh being given the award from Khalil al-Hayya, deputy head of Hamas in Gaza, raised alarm bells in Israel and elsewhere. 

“That a major media outlet has accepted an award for its news coverage from a designated terrorist group should raise alarm bells among all who are concerned about freedom of the press,” American Jewish Committee managing director of global communications Avi Mayer told Fox News at the time. “This revelation raises serious questions about the relationship between Al Jazeera and Hamas and how it might affect media coverage of one of the most contentious conflicts in the world. Viewers deserve to know.”