The Knesset on Monday night passed in first reading a bill that would make permanent a temporary order banning Qatari network Al Jazeera‘s operations in Israel.

The temporary order, “Preventing a Foreign Broadcasting Organization from Harming State Security (Temporary Provision‒Swords of Iron),” was extended for six months in May and is set to expire on Nov. 30.

According to the explanatory section of the current bill, which was proposed by Knesset member Ariel Kallner of the Likud Party:

“Due to the need to preserve the powers and tools required to deal with foreign channels whose broadcast content seriously harms national security, even unconnected from the ‘Swords of Iron War,’ it is proposed to determine that the temporary order will become a standing order and its validity will not depend on significant military operations or the declaration of a special situation on the home front.”

Other provisions of the bill include expanding the powers of the communications minister to deal with hostile news outlets, and eliminating the need for court approval to take actions against them.

In 2024, lawmakers voted 71-10 to pass the original legislation giving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the authority to shut down Al Jazeera. Under that law, the communications minister may act against a foreign channel that harms the state’s security, with the consent of the prime minister and the approval of the Cabinet.

The measure enabled authorities to order television providers to stop broadcasting the Qatari news outlet, close its offices in Israel, seize its equipment, shut down its website and revoke press credentials for staff.

In September, Jerusalem announced its intention to revoke all press passes of Al Jazeera reporters working in territory under its control.

Qatar, which hosts Hamas leaders and has provided the terrorist group with hundreds of millions of dollars, played a role in mediating the release of some hostages from Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

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