meanwhile back at that tremendous democracy in the mid east;

Israel's parliament on Monday passed the first reading of a bill allowing authorities to shut down foreign media deemed "harmful" to national security without a court order.

The proposal, approved by 50 votes to 41 in the Knesset, still requires two more readings before becoming law.

Put forward by Likud MP Ariel Kallner, the measure seeks to make permanent what is known as the “Al Jazeera Law” - a temporary order taken during the war allowing Israel to close foreign media outlets.

Formally titled the Law to Prevent Harm to State Security by a Foreign Broadcasting Authority, the bill empowers the communications minister to block or shut down foreign channels and websites, seize their equipment, and raid offices without judicial oversight.

New amendments would also allow the minister to instruct internet and satellite providers to restrict online content or disrupt broadcasts.

If enacted, the government could exercise broad control over foreign media regardless of the security situation or international objections.

The bill comes amid growing concern over Israel’s crackdown on press freedom during its war on Gaza.

Earlier this year, Israel banned Al Jazeera and other outlets from reporting across Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. It has long barred foreign journalists from freely entering Gaza...........more.......