JERUSALEM, April 2: In a bold move sparking international concern, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to shut down Al Jazeera, a Qatari-based news network, following the passage of a new law empowering the government to ban foreign media deemed a threat to national security.

Netanyahu declared his intention to swiftly act on the newly enacted legislation, which grants the prime minister and communications minister authority to temporarily close foreign networks operating in Israel. This decision comes amidst escalating tensions between Israel and the Qatari-funded media outlet, which has been accused of bias and incitement by Israeli officials.

Al Jazeera, known for its extensive coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in Gaza, condemned the move, vowing to continue its "bold and professional coverage" despite the government's efforts to silence it.

Rights groups have expressed grave concerns over the implications of the law, warning that it could lead to self-censorship and limit international media access to critical events in the region. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) denounced the legislation, describing it as a significant threat to press freedom within Israel.

The White House also weighed in on the matter, expressing concern over the potential stifling of journalism in the region, particularly amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza. The move to shutter Al Jazeera comes at a critical juncture in Israeli-Qatari relations, with Qatar playing a key role in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, Al Jazeera has provided crucial on-the-ground coverage of the conflict, often at great personal risk to its journalists. Several reporters have been killed or injured in Israeli airstrikes, underscoring the dangers faced by media personnel operating in the region.

As the international community watches closely, Israel's decision to target Al Jazeera raises questions about the future of press freedom in the region and the role of media in shaping public discourse amidst conflict.