An employee walks into an office of the Qatar-based Al Jazeera network in Jerusalem on June 13, 2017. Photo taken on June 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulon/Archive photo Obtaining licensing rights
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel’s communications minister said on Sunday he was seeking a possible closure of the local bureau of Al Jazeera and accused the Qatari news station of pro-Hamas incitement and exposing Israeli soldiers to a possible attack from Gaza.
Shloma Karhi said that the proposal to close Al Jazeera has been examined by Israeli security officials and is being examined by legal experts, adding that he will present it to the Cabinet later today.
Neither Al Jazeera nor the government in Doha had an immediate comment.
Karhi told Israeli Army Radio, “This is a station that incites. This is a station that depicts forces in assembly areas (outside Gaza)… inciting against the citizens of Israel – a propaganda mouthpiece.”
He said: “It is unreasonable for the Hamas spokesman’s message to pass through this station,” adding: “I hope we will end this day.” It was not clear whether the latest statement referred to the Cabinet discussion or implementation of the closure.
Writing by Dan Williams. Edited by David Evans
Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
“Infuriatingly humble analyst. Bacon maven. Proud food specialist. Certified reader. Avid writer. Zombie advocate. Incurable problem solver.”