The Israeli government has approved regulations that will allow it to temporarily shut down foreign news channels during states of emergency, such as the current war with terror group Hamas if it believes the outlet is damaging national security, The Times of Israel reported on October 20.

As per the report, Israel's communications Minister has led the charge to pass these regulations in order to shut down the Al Jazeera news channel, which he claims has damaged national security.

According to the new regulations, the communications minister — with the agreement of the defence minister — will be able to order TV providers to stop broadcasting the news outlet in question; close its offices in Israel, seize its equipment, and shut down its website or restrict access to its website, depending on the location of its server.