Israel expands media ban, blocks Al Jazeera and Al-Mayadeen across TV, websites and YouTube

Israel has implemented a sweeping ban on two major Arab news networks, prohibiting all broadcasting and online access to Al Jazeera and Al-Mayadeen within the country. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi announced the decision on Sunday, stating the channels would be blocked “on their websites, on television, and on YouTube,” with the option for the defense minister to also disrupt satellite transmissions.

Legal Basis and Government Approval

Karhi stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the government approved the expanded restrictions under an amended law, known as the “Al Jazeera law,” which was revised last month to allow the communications minister to shut down foreign media outlets even without a declared state of emergency. According to the Israeli daily Haaretz, the ban will remain in effect for 90 days. The law permits measures including halting broadcasts, closing offices, confiscating equipment, and blocking websites if a outlet is deemed a security threat.

Background of Previous Restrictions

Israel banned Al-Mayadeen in November 2023, describing it as affiliated with Hezbollah. Al Jazeera was barred from operating in Israel in May 2024 during the Gaza war, a decision that has been repeatedly renewed. The latest order extends these restrictions to a full digital and broadcast blockade. The networks have been critical in their coverage of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in over 71,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities.