The Israeli Knesset approves the first reading of a bill concerning foreign channels

Translation by SadaNews - The Israeli Knesset's plenum approved, this Monday evening, a bill concerning the closure of press institutions or offices belonging to foreign (non-Israeli) channels aiming to harm Israel's security.

According to the Hebrew Channel Reshet Kan, as translated by SadaNews, the bill was approved in its preliminary first reading.

The bill is referred to as "Al Jazeera" in reference to the Qatari channel accused of harming Israel's security.

The law allows for this to be maintained permanently and without the need for a judicial decision, as translated by SadaNews.

Fifty members voted in favor of the bill, while 41 opposed it.

The bill was referred back to the National Security Committee of the Knesset to continue discussions in preparation for voting on the second and third readings in the coming days.