Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the chairman of the ruling coalition in the Knesset (parliament), Ofir Katz, to ensure a vote on April 1 to approve second and third readings of a bill that would allow authorities to prohibit the operation and broadcast in Israel of foreign media that undermine the security of the country. This was reported by the Times of Israel, citing a statement by a representative of the Likud party, led by the prime minister.According to the newspaper, as soon as the document enters into force, the Prime Minister intends to 'immediately launch' the procedure for closing the Qatari television channel Al Jazeera in the country. The bill on hostile media was approved by the Knesset in the first reading on February 12, after which it received the necessary approvals for the second and third readings in the parliamentary committees, the newspaper said.According to the document, Israel's communications minister will have the authority to shut down foreign media operating in Israel and confiscate their equipment if the Defense Ministry determines that their activities cause "real harm to state security." On October 20, 2023, the Israeli government approved new rules allowing authorities to quickly shut down foreign media outlets if their activities undermine national security. On November 13, 2023, the security cabinet approved emergency rules to interrupt the broadcast of hostile foreign news television channels, Kan radio reported the same day.Mr. Netanyahu is currently hospitalized after having surgery for a hernia overnight from Sunday to Monday. The Prime Minister's Office said that "he is feeling very well" after the operation and that he "continues to attend to his daily obligations while remaining in the hospital", including "conducting consultations and negotiations'. Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to be released from hospital on April 2.Source: Burkina Information Agency