Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused on Thursday to bring the issue of the closure of the Qatari-owned Al Jazeera TV to the Political-Security Cabinet for approval.
The decision not to bring the issue before the Cabinet came despite claims by the Mossad, the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), and the National Security Council that the channel exposes the locations of IDF soldiers.
Political officials said in response, "It will take more time, we are working on it. It is being delayed mainly because of legal issues." The sources also denied that the decision not to bring the issue for discussion is connected to Qatar's involvement in the negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Last week, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi brought emergency regulations that would allow the closure of Al Jazeera to the government for approval.
Sources close to Karhi said that "the closure of Al Jazeera in Israel comes after the presentation of evidence that it helps the enemy, broadcasts propaganda in the service of Hamas in Arabic and English to viewers all over the world, and even passes sensitive information to our enemies."