Israel Extends 'Al Jazeera Law' for Two Years and Moves to Shutter Army Radio, Sparking Press Freedom Alarms

The Israeli parliament has extended a controversial law enabling the government to shut down foreign broadcasters it deems a threat to national security. In a parallel move that deepens concerns over press freedom, the Israeli cabinet also approved a plan to close down the historically independent, state-funded Army Radio.

Broadening Powers Against Foreign Media

The legislation, passed by a vote of 22 to 10, expands temporary powers for the next two years. It allows the government to cease a foreign media outlet's operations even in peacetime and without requiring a court order. The original powers, widely dubbed the 'Al Jazeera Law', were used to shut down the Qatari-owned channel's offices and block its broadcasts in May 2024.

The Israeli government has accused Al Jazeera, a vocal critic of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, of anti-Israel bias and supporting Hamas. The broadcaster has denied these accusations, calling the shutdown a "criminal act" and an attack on press freedom.

The temporary order violated 'freedom of expression, the right to information and freedom of the press, and blocks citizens and residents from receiving a variety of information that does not fit the Israeli narrative...'

— The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), in a statement last year

Domestic Scrutiny Turns to Army Radio

Just hours after the vote, the Israeli cabinet approved a plan to shut down Army Radio, also known as Galei Tzahal (GLZ). The station, operated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but editorially independent, is slated to cease operations by 1 March 2026.

Defence Minister Israel Katz justified the move, arguing the station "broadcasts political and divisive content that is not in line with IDF values." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly stated that a military-run station is highly unusual, adding, "I think it exists in North Korea and maybe a few other countries, and we probably don't want to be counted among them."

A 'Worrying Pattern' for Israeli Democracy

The decisions have triggered strong condemnation from media and civil rights groups. The Union of Journalists announced it would petition the High Court of Justice against the Army Radio closure, calling it an infringement on press freedom. The criticism was echoed by the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) think tank, which issued a stark warning.

The decision to shut down a public media organisation is not an isolated move. It is part of a broader and worrying pattern of ongoing harm to Israeli democracy.

— Israel Democracy Institute (IDI)