Israeli Knesset Extends Law Restricting Foreign Channels Until 2027

SadaNews - The Israeli Knesset's Plenary Assembly last night approved, in the second and third readings, an extension of a law that allows the closure of foreign channels on the grounds of "endangering state security" until the end of 2027.

The approval of the bill, presented by Knesset member Ariel Kelner (Likud), passed with a majority of 22 Knesset members in favor and 10 against.

The law extends the "emergency order" until December 31, 2027, granting the Israeli Ministry of Communications broad powers to restrict the activities of foreign channels.

Under the law, the Minister of Communications, with the approval of the Prime Minister and the endorsement of the cabinet or government, may impose restrictions on any foreign channel if convinced that its content "actually harms state security."

The penalties permitted by the law include suspension of broadcasting, closure of offices, confiscation of equipment, blocking websites, and preventing satellite broadcasts.

The law states that the administrative order is valid for a period of 90 days, with the possibility of extending it for additional periods.

It also imposes a mechanism for judicial oversight, whereby the order is presented to the head of the central court within 24 hours, with a judicial decision to be issued within three days.

The extension of the law comes against a backdrop of previous human rights and media criticisms, warning of its use to continue imposing restrictions on the work of Arab and foreign media outlets.