Israel’s Security Cabinet has given the green light to a proposal by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi to close the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen television channel and shutter its offices in the country.
Karhi argued that the channel’s broadcasts were in the interest of Israel’s adversaries and posed a threat to national security. Israeli authorities claim that Al-Mayadeen serves as a mouthpiece for Hezbollah, with whom Israel has been in conflict since the Gaza war erupted.
The decision marks the first use of a temporary measure allowing the communications minister to shut down foreign media outlets deemed harmful to national security. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized Israel’s resistance to dangerous propaganda during the war.
The move comes as the Israeli offensive in Gaza surpasses its 38th day, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties and extensive infrastructure damage.