Pro-Hezbollah Al-Mayadeen News Prohibited by Israeli Government

The Israeli government has approved a plan to ban Al-Mayadeen News, a Lebanese television station known for its pro-Hezbollah stance, from operating within Israel. This decision, spearheaded by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, aims to block Al-Mayadeen's websites and seize its equipment as a measure to protect national security.

Al-Mayadeen came under intense scrutiny in July after a deadly rocket attack by Hezbollah in Majdal Shams resulted in the tragic deaths of 12 children on a soccer field. The following day, Al-Mayadeen reporter Hanaa Mahamid falsely claimed on-air that the children were killed in "an Israeli attack." She further suggested that Majdal Shams residents doubted Hezbollah's involvement and referred to the area as "the occupied Syrian Golan," portraying the town as "a scene of resistance to the occupation."

Mahamid, an Israeli-Arab citizen from Tira, reportedly broadcasted the segment from Majdal Shams using her phone. The decision to ban Al-Mayadeen is based on the "Al-Jazeera Law," which permits Israel to temporarily suspend operations of media outlets considered harmful to national security. This includes revoking press credentials, confiscating transmitters, and blocking websites. The ban is subject to renewal every 45 days, though the Knesset is moving to extend this to 90-day intervals.

The "Al-Jazeera Law" was first applied to the Qatari news network Al Jazeera. Efforts to restrict Al Jazeera intensified in February after journalist Mohamed Washah was exposed as a Hamas commander. His laptop, recovered by soldiers in northern Gaza, revealed his involvement in the terror group's anti-armor missile systems. In October, Al Jazeera faced accusations of endangering Israeli soldiers by disclosing details of troop assembly locations, leading the Cabinet to enact emergency regulations to temporarily shut down Al Jazeera's operations in Israel.

In July, the Tel Aviv District Court upheld the state's request to ban Al Jazeera, citing its broadcasts as "a real violation of state security." Further evidence obtained by the Israeli military confirmed that Al Jazeera reporter Ismail al-Ghoul was affiliated with Hamas.

This decisive action against Al-Mayadeen underscores Israel's commitment to safeguarding its citizens and maintaining national security. As tensions remain high in the region, Israel continues to take necessary measures to protect itself from misinformation and external threats.

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