Shortly after Israel's Knesset last night approved a law on hostile media, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to take "immediate action" to suspend the broadcasting of the Qatari television "Al Jazeera"; in Israel, reported France Press, quoted by BTA.
"The terrorist channel "Al Jazeera" will no longer broadcast in Israel. I intend to take immediate action in accordance with the new law to stop the television's operations (in Israel)," Netanyahu was quoted as saying by his office.
"Al Jazeera" rejected accusations that it harmed Israel's security, calling them a "dangerous and ridiculous lie," Reuters reported. The television station, which is highly critical of Israel's military operation in Gaza, from where it broadcasts 24/7 reports, has previously accused Israel of systematically attacking its offices and employees.
Israel's Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi has accused Al Jazeera of promoting hostile acts against Israel. "It is impossible to tolerate a media outlet, with credentials from the government press office and with offices in Israel, acting from within against us, certainly not during wartime,", he declared.
The move by the Israeli government to enable the closure of local offices of foreign media groups has raised concerns from Israel's main ally the US, which has said it is crucial to preserve press freedom in the country . "If this is true, such a move is troubling," White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre told reporters at a briefing.