Israeli authorities have ordered police to arrest anyone found watching Al Jazeera in Israel
The order was issued by Far-right Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir in a brief statement carried live by Al Jazeera Arabic and Al Jazeera Mubasher, reiterating the government’s position that allowing Al Jazeera to report from Israel poses a “threat” to national security.
Ben-Gvir’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between Israel and the Qatar-based news outlet, which has faced bans in Israel and the occupied West Bank.
Recall that in May 2024, Israel officially banned all Al Jazeera reporters, producers, camera people, and other employees from entering or working in the country. The Palestinian Authority followed suit in January 2025, effectively banning Al Jazeera from the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli government has accused Al Jazeera of biased reporting and claims that its coverage incites violence and undermines national security. Ben-Gvir’s call for police intervention against viewers marks a significant escalation in efforts to restrict the network’s influence within Israel.
Critics argue that such measures threaten press freedom and the public’s right to access diverse news sources. Human rights groups have condemned the bans and warnings as attempts to silence critical journalism and suppress Palestinian voices.
Al Jazeera remains one of the most widely viewed news networks in the Middle East, known for its extensive coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The network continues to broadcast from outside Israel and the occupied territories, reaching audiences across the region and globally.
Ben-Gvir’s statement signals a hardening stance by Israeli authorities against media outlets perceived as hostile, raising concerns about freedom of expression and information in the region
