Israel revokes accreditation of foreign journalists
The decision comes after New Jerusalem's earlier choice to close the Qatari broadcaster’s offices within its borders. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The Israeli government has announced the revocation of press credentials for Al Jazeera journalists operating in the country. This decision follows the closure of the Qatari TV network's bureau four months ago.
Al Jazeera's offices in Israel were shut down on May 5, and since then, its websites have been blocked. This action came after Israeli officials labeled the outlet's coverage of the Gaza conflict as “incitement” of terrorism. In response, the company characterized the blockage of its operations as a “criminal act.”
On Thursday, the Israeli government’s press office reported on X that it is “revoking the GPO cards of Al Jazeera journalists working in Israel, following the unanimous government decision in May to shut down the channel in Israel and prohibit its broadcasts.”
The statement included remarks from press service director Nitzan Chen, who stated that “Al Jazeera disseminates false content, which includes incitement against Israelis and Jews and constitutes a threat to IDF soldiers.”
Chen further indicated that the use of press cards by these journalists “could in itself jeopardize state security at this time.”
The new directives will affect Al Jazeera journalists and broadcasters in both Hebrew and Arabic, as detailed by the press service. However, the revocation does not extend to the network's producers and photographers. “The revocation will be valid for as long as the Knesset legislation and the temporary order are in force,” according to the GPO.
An AFP report, referencing an Israeli official familiar with the situation, indicated that this decision will impact four full-time Al Jazeera journalists who are Israeli citizens.
Israeli officials have sought to close Al Jazeera’s bureau since at least 2017, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the network of “incitement.” At that time, the outlet rejected such claims, asserting its commitment to “professionally and accurately” cover events in the Palestinian territories.
In April, the Israeli parliament passed a law enabling the temporary closure of foreign networks identified as threats to national security. This legislation allows authorities to order TV providers to block broadcasts by designated outlets, shut down their local offices, seize equipment, and limit access to their websites.
International rights organizations have expressed concerns over the potential implications of this law and the shutdown of Al Jazeera’s offices.
Founded in 1996, the Qatari network is one of the few global media organizations with a presence in both Gaza and Israel, as noted by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
Al Jazeera's offices in Israel were shut down on May 5, and since then, its websites have been blocked. This action came after Israeli officials labeled the outlet's coverage of the Gaza conflict as “incitement” of terrorism. In response, the company characterized the blockage of its operations as a “criminal act.”
On Thursday, the Israeli government’s press office reported on X that it is “revoking the GPO cards of Al Jazeera journalists working in Israel, following the unanimous government decision in May to shut down the channel in Israel and prohibit its broadcasts.”
The statement included remarks from press service director Nitzan Chen, who stated that “Al Jazeera disseminates false content, which includes incitement against Israelis and Jews and constitutes a threat to IDF soldiers.”
Chen further indicated that the use of press cards by these journalists “could in itself jeopardize state security at this time.”
The new directives will affect Al Jazeera journalists and broadcasters in both Hebrew and Arabic, as detailed by the press service. However, the revocation does not extend to the network's producers and photographers. “The revocation will be valid for as long as the Knesset legislation and the temporary order are in force,” according to the GPO.
An AFP report, referencing an Israeli official familiar with the situation, indicated that this decision will impact four full-time Al Jazeera journalists who are Israeli citizens.
Israeli officials have sought to close Al Jazeera’s bureau since at least 2017, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the network of “incitement.” At that time, the outlet rejected such claims, asserting its commitment to “professionally and accurately” cover events in the Palestinian territories.
In April, the Israeli parliament passed a law enabling the temporary closure of foreign networks identified as threats to national security. This legislation allows authorities to order TV providers to block broadcasts by designated outlets, shut down their local offices, seize equipment, and limit access to their websites.
International rights organizations have expressed concerns over the potential implications of this law and the shutdown of Al Jazeera’s offices.
Founded in 1996, the Qatari network is one of the few global media organizations with a presence in both Gaza and Israel, as noted by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
