Knesset extends law restricting foreign media until 2027

The Israeli Knesset has approved an extension of a law that allows the closure of foreign media channels on grounds of “harming state security”, keeping it in force until the end of 2027. 

The Knesset’s plenary passed the bill late on Monday in its second and third readings. The proposal, submitted by Likud MP Ariel Kalner, was approved by 22 votes in favour and 10 against.

The law extends a temporary order measure until 31 December 2027, granting the Israeli Ministry of Communications broad powers to restrict the work of foreign media outlets.

Under the law, the minister of communications, with the approval of the prime minister and ratification by the security cabinet or the government, may impose restrictions on any foreign channel if he is convinced that its content causes “real harm to state security”.

The measures allowed under the law include suspending broadcasts, closing offices, confiscating equipment, blocking websites and banning satellite transmissions.

The administrative order is valid for 90 days and can be extended for additional periods.

The extension comes despite previous criticism from human rights and media organisations, which have warned that the law could be used to continue imposing restrictions on the work of Arab and foreign media outlets.

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