Israel extends law allowing shutdown of foreign media outlets until end of 2027

Israel’s Knesset late Monday approved an extension of a temporary order granting the Communications Ministry sweeping powers to shut down foreign media outlets, extending the measure until December 31, 2027.

The bill, introduced by Likud lawmaker Ariel Kallner, passed its second and third readings by a 22–10 vote, replacing the wartime emergency legislation commonly referred to as the “Al Jazeera Law.”

Under the extended order, the communications minister — with the prime minister’s approval and ratification by the security cabinet or government — may restrict the operations of foreign media channels deemed to cause “real harm to state security,” even outside a declared state of emergency.

The law allows authorities to suspend broadcasts, close offices, seize equipment, block websites, and instruct the defense minister to disrupt satellite transmissions, including in the occupied West Bank, without affecting other channels. Administrative orders will be valid for 90 days and may be renewed.

Unlike the earlier temporary framework, the new law does not require prior court approval to shut down a foreign media outlet.

The decision has drawn strong criticism from human rights and press freedom organizations, which argue it entrenches curbs on Arab and international media amid a broader erosion of press freedoms in Israel.

“Israel is openly waging a battle against media outlets, both local and foreign, that challenge the government’s narrative — behavior typical of authoritarian regimes,” International Federation of Journalists General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said following the bill’s first reading in November.

“We are deeply concerned about the Israeli parliament passing this controversial legislation, as it represents a serious blow to free speech and media freedom, and a direct attack on the public’s right to know,” he added.

In a related move, Israel’s cabinet unanimously approved the shutdown of Army Radio (Galei Tzahal), ending its 75-year run. The station is set to cease operations on March 1, 2026.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara warned in a statement that the decision lacks a legal basis and “undermines public broadcasting in Israel while restricting freedom of expression.”