'Undermines media pluralism': International Federation of Journalists condemns Israeli government's closure of Al-Mayadeen TV

Al Mayadeen satellite news TV logo

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has strongly criticized the Israeli government's decision to block access to the Lebanese channel Al-Mayadeen TV in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, citing "security reasons." This move, the first enforcement of emergency regulations approved on October 20, allows the temporary ban of media outlets deemed to "undermine national security."

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi confirmed on November 13 that the security cabinet had approved emergency measures to close Al-Mayadeen satellite news station in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, alleging that the broadcaster "serves the interests of Israel's enemies and harms national security."

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant accused Al-Mayadeen of becoming "a mouthpiece of Hezbollah," blaming journalists for "supporting terror while pretending to be reporters," according to AFP.

The decision follows an incident on November 6 when Al-Mayadeen correspondent Hanaa Mahameed in Jerusalem was harassed by a group of individuals identifying themselves as Israeli reporters, accusing her of "spreading fake news."

Ghassan Ben Jeddou, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Mayadeen media network, responded to the ban, stating, "The Israeli occupation thinks of itself as sending a renewed, direct threat to Al-Mayadeen and maybe a message to terrorise the media of the free people wherever they are." He characterized the ban as part of Israel's "systematic censorship policy" to undermine press freedom and freedom of speech.

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The IFJ, echoing widespread concern, declared that the closure undermines media pluralism and the public's right to know. IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger called the ban a "serious blow" to media freedom and urged Israel to reverse its decision. The IFJ has consistently voiced concerns over Israel's attempts to censor media coverage of the ongoing war in Gaza, cautioning against using security concerns as a pretext for restricting critical media.