"Terror Channel:" Israel Bans Al-Jazeera Until 2027

The Knesset approved legislation overnight extending Israel’s ban on Al Jazeera broadcasts for an additional two years, despite ongoing delays in advancing a permanent version of the law.

In a second and third reading held late Monday night, lawmakers voted 22–10 to extend the temporary measure known publicly as the “Al Jazeera Law,” which allows the government to restrict or shut down foreign media outlets deemed to be harming state security. The extension will remain in force until December 31, 2027.

The proposal was advanced by Likud MK Ariel Kallner and authorizes the communications minister, with the consent of the prime minister and approval of the government or the ministerial committee for national security affairs, to impose restrictions on foreign broadcasters whose content is determined to pose a concrete threat to Israel’s security.

While the temporary extension has now been approved, legislation intended to codify the measure permanently remains stalled in Knesset committee discussions. Legal advisers to the committee have raised objections to the current draft, despite warnings from Israel’s security services about the broadcaster’s activities.

According to information presented in a closed committee session, the Shin Bet has warned of an immediate security threat linked to the channel’s content. A representative of the security service reportedly told lawmakers that at least four terrorist attacks in eastern Jerusalem, some resulting in Israeli casualties, were carried out following activities connected to the broadcaster.

In response to the legal objections, Likud MK Amit Halevi withdrew his own bill addressing the issue. He said the draft had been altered in coordination with legal advisers in a way that stripped it of practical effect. Halevi argued that the revised version would fail to prevent continued incitement and would not meaningfully limit the channel’s ability to harm Israeli soldiers and civilians.

Supporters of the extension say the move is necessary to close a security gap while the permanent law remains under dispute. They argue that delaying enforcement until the legal process is completed would leave Israel exposed to ongoing incitement during a period of heightened security sensitivity.

Opponents of the measure have warned that it raises concerns about press freedom and due process, arguments that have also been raised by legal advisers reviewing the permanent legislation.

With the extension now approved, the government retains the authority to continue restricting Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel through the end of 2027, while debate over a permanent legal framework remains unresolved.