Israel has ordered the local offices of Qatar’s Al Jazeera news network to close, marking the first time Israel has shut down a foreign news outlet. The decision comes amid heightened tensions between Al Jazeera and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over coverage of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, Politico reported.
Al Jazeera has been covering the Israeli-Hamas war extensively, often airing statements from Hamas and other militant groups, which has drawn criticism from Netanyahu. The closure order includes confiscating equipment and blocking the network’s broadcasts and websites, alleging that Al Jazeera reporters have harmed Israel’s security and incited against soldiers.
The move threatens to strain relations with Qatar, which has been involved in cease-fire negotiations between Hamas and Israel. Qatar hosts Hamas leaders in exile, and Netanyahu has previously criticized Qatar for not pressuring Hamas enough.
