On Sunday night, the Israeli security cabinet voted to close down the Lebanese al Mayadeen satellite news station within the country. This decision aligns with emergency regulations enacted the previous month, granting the government authority to shut down foreign news outlets that are perceived to be a threat to national security.
The initiative to shutter the station was spearheaded by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, who asserted that al Mayadeen’s broadcasts were serving the interests of Israel’s enemies and posing a threat to national security. Originally, Karhi had primarily targeted the Qatari-based Al Jazeera news network, accusing it of undermining national security. However, complications arose due to Qatar’s involvement in negotiations to release hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, hampering efforts to close down Al Jazeera in Israel.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, along with the heads of other security services, endorsed Karhi’s request to shut down al Mayadeen, following the protocols outlined in the new regulations. An order has been issued to block al Mayadeen’s online operations in Israel, with plans to seize and confiscate its broadcasting equipment on the agenda for the next day.
Minister Karhi justified the decision by stating that Israel is currently engaged in various fronts, including land, air, sea, cyberspace, and the airwaves, emphasizing the need to confront broadcasts that identify with the enemy and jeopardize state security. He pointedly accused al Mayadeen of serving terrorist organizations.
However, specific examples of al Mayadeen broadcasts harming national security were not provided by Karhi’s spokesperson. Defense Minister Gallant underscored that the steps taken against al Mayadeen were essential to counter what he described as the network’s role as the mouthpiece of the Hezbollah terrorist organization.
This move to shut down al Mayadeen marks the first implementation of the emergency regulations introduced the previous month. These regulations empower the communications minister to take action against foreign media outlets believed to be a threat to national security during the ongoing state of emergency. The process involves legal opinions from the security establishment, ministerial orders to TV providers, closure of offices, equipment seizure, and website shutdown or restriction, depending on server location.
Approval from the defense minister and the security cabinet is mandatory, with the decision subject to district court review within three days. The initial order is valid for 30 days but can be extended in additional 30-day increments. The emergency regulations themselves are effective for three months or until the government officially ends the state of emergency.
