On Thursday, Israel announced it would revoke the press credentials of Al Jazeera journalists working within the country. This decision follows the earlier closure of the Qatari network’s operations in Israel.
According to the Government Press Office (GPO), the revocation affects four full-time Al Jazeera journalists who hold Israeli citizenship. The GPO’s statement, attributed to press office director Nitzan Chen, described Al Jazeera as disseminating false content and inciting violence, which the Israeli government considers a threat.
Other Al Jazeera staff, such as video producers and photographers not actively involved in content creation, will retain their press credentials. The GPO press card, while not mandatory for journalistic work, is crucial for accessing government buildings, parliament, and military infrastructure.
Al Jazeera’s bureau chief for the Palestinian territories, Walid Omary, stated that the network had not yet received official notification of the decision. The network has previously been accused by the Israeli military of being linked to terrorist organizations in Gaza, allegations that Al Jazeera denies.
Since the Gaza conflict began on October 7, at least two Al Jazeera journalists have been killed. The Israeli parliament’s April law allowing the ban of foreign media deemed harmful to state security paved the way for Al Jazeera’s ongoing broadcasting restrictions.
The Israeli government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has had a contentious relationship with Al Jazeera, exacerbated by the current conflict. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi declared that Al Jazeera would be closed and its equipment confiscated.
Despite the shutdown of its offices in Israel, Al Jazeera continues its coverage from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The revocation of press credentials highlights the challenges faced by journalists in conflict zones and the impact on media freedom.
