Israel's communications minister said on Sunday he was seeking a possible shutdown of Al Jazeera's local bureau, as they think the Qatar-based news station has been supporting the cause of Hamas and telecasting news against the interest of Israel.
The proposal to shut down Al Jazeera had been vetted by Israeli security officials and was being vetted by legal experts, Shloma Karhi said, adding that he would bring it to the cabinet later in the day, reports Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera and the government in Doha had no immediate comment.
"This is a station that incites, this is a station that films troops in assembly areas (outside Gaza) ... that incites against the citizens of Israel - a propaganda mouthpiece," Karhi told Israel's Army Radio.
"It is unconscionable that Hamas spokespeople's message goes through this station," he said, adding: "I hope we will finish with this today." It was not clear if the latter statement referred to a cabinet discussion or implementation of a closure.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
