Israel’s parliament has enacted a significant legislative amendment permitting the continued restriction of foreign media outlets deemed threatening to national security, extending this authority for an additional two years despite terminating the official state of emergency. The Knesset approved the measure overnight, ensuring that powers initially linked to the Hamas conflict emergency declaration will remain effective until December 31, 2027.
Originally implemented in April 2024 during heightened hostilities, this legislation notably targeted Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, which Israeli officials have consistently characterized as a propaganda vehicle for Palestinian militants. The new provision operates independently of emergency statutes, creating a permanent framework for media regulation based on security concerns.
Under the amended law, the Prime Minister retains authority to identify foreign media entities perceived as endangering national security. Following this determination, the Communications Minister may execute comprehensive restrictions including broadcast termination, office closures, equipment confiscation, and website blocking. The legislation mandates consultation with security agencies prior to implementation, though only a single favorable security assessment is required to authorize actions without judicial oversight.
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi emphasized the legislation’s significance, stating: ‘Terrorist channels are out of bounds, in normal times as well as under a state of emergency. After voting for this law several times during the war to stop Al Jazeera’s broadcasts in Israel, we have now finalized it independently of the emergency status.’
This development occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedoms in Israel. Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 global index documented an 11-position drop in Israel’s press freedom ranking, descending from 101st to 112th place among 180 evaluated nations since the Gaza conflict’s inception.