Israel Considers Closing Down Al Jazeera's Local Bureau, Calls It Hamas' Propaganda Mouthpiece

The Israeli Communications Minister, Shloma Karhi, made a significant announcement on Sunday (15 October), indicating the possibility of closing Al Jazeera's local bureau.

He contended that the Qatari news network was disseminating content in favour of Hamas, an assertion that, according to him, endangered Israeli soldiers by potentially exposing them to attacks from Gaza.

This proposal to shut down Al Jazeera had already undergone scrutiny by Israeli security officials and was in the process of legal evaluation, as noted by Karhi.

He further outlined his intention to present the proposal to the Israeli cabinet later in the day for a thorough discussion.

Both Al Jazeera and the Qatari government refrained from immediate comments, leaving the situation open to further developments.

Karhi told Israel's Army Radio, "This is a station that incites, this is a station that films troops in assembly areas (outside Gaza) ... that incites against the citizens of Israel — a propaganda mouthpiece."

He further said, "It is unconscionable that Hamas spokespeople's message goes through this station."