The Biden administration lashed out on Monday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that he will ban Aljazeera, a Qatari government-controlled propaganda channel, from Israel because of the lies it has told about the October 7 terrorist attack and because some of its journalists participated in the attack.
Israeli lawmakers in the Knesset passed a measure 71-10 on Monday giving Netanyahu the power to ban the organization.
“Al Jazeera harmed Israel’s security, actively participated in the October 7 massacre, and incited against IDF soldiers,” Netanyahu posted on X. “It is time to remove the shofar of Hamas from our country. The terrorist channel Al Jazeera will no longer broadcast from Israel.”
“I intend to act immediately in accordance with the new law to stop the channel’s activity,” he added. “I welcome the law promoted by Communications Minister Shlomo Karai with the support of coalition members led by coalition chairman Ofir Katz.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre lashed out at Israel during the White House press briefing on Monday, saying that it was concerning that Israel would ban a propaganda network that is controlled by a country that has strong ties to terrorism.
“At least the reports that we’ve seen — is about Al Jazeera, specifically. But it doesn’t matter, whichever — right? — journalists more broadly,” she said. “But if it is true — if it is true, a move like this is concerning. We believe in the freedom of the press. It is critical. It is critically important. And the United States supports the critically important work journalists around the world do. And so — and that includes those who are reporting in — in the conflict in Gaza.”
“So, we believe that work is important, the freedom of the press is important,” she added. “And if those reports are true, it is concerning to us.”