Israel extends media restrictions under law targeting foreign broadcasters

The Israeli government approved orders to block the websites and YouTube channels of Qatar-based Al Jazeera and the Lebanese Al Mayadeen network for 90 days. This measure extends existing restrictions that already banned the networks' television broadcasts within Israel under a law targeting foreign broadcasters deemed a threat to national security. The law, initially temporary, was made permanent and grants the communications minister power to shut down foreign channels without a court order. Critics, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and the head of UNRWA, accuse Israel of silencing media to cover up its actions in Gaza, which is described as the deadliest place in the world for journalists.