Israel extends possible broadcasting ban for foreign media

Israel’s Parliament has extended a controversial law allowing the government to ban foreign media outlets it considers a threat. The decision, made in the early hours of Tuesday, grants Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sweeping powers to shut down broadcasters without judicial oversight. Critics, including Reporters Without Borders, have labelled the move a severe blow to press freedom in the country.

The Supreme Court is also set to rule on January 4 about whether to maintain the existing ban on foreign journalists entering Gaza independently—a restriction in place since the start of the war.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages into Gaza. In response, Israel initiated a two-year military offensive in the Palestinian territory, with Hamas reporting more than 70,000 deaths since the start of hostilities.

The newly extended law, which will remain in force until December 31, 2027, allows Netanyahu to determine whether a broadcaster poses a threat. The prime minister must consult security agencies before imposing a ban, but only one supportive assessment is required to justify a shutdown. No judicial review is needed.

The legislation primarily targets Al Jazeera, the Qatar-based broadcaster accused by the Israeli government of spreading propaganda for Hamas. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned the extension as 'scandalous,' calling it a 'new and serious attack on press freedom' in Israel.

Press freedom in the country has already declined sharply since the war began. Israel dropped 11 places in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting growing restrictions on media operations and reporting.

The extended law gives Netanyahu broad authority to close foreign media outlets without court oversight. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on January 4 will determine whether independent foreign journalists can enter Gaza. The combined measures have raised concerns about the future of media access and reporting in the region.