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I do not have sympathy for Al Jazeera. This is a news channel that has been banned throughout the Arab world – in Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia – for its support of Islamic State and the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as for the role it plays in radicalizing youth and stoking violence. It is a station owned by Qatar, which openly supports Hamas and other terrorist organizations bent on Israel’s destruction.Nevertheless, I am vigilant when the government decides to interfere in the media. The press in a democracy like Israel’s is meant to be a watchdog and to ensure that the government is held accountable for its actions and decisions. In these pages, you can read daily about the criminal investigations against the prime minister alongside different stories about government ministries and security agencies. That is our job: to portray the news objectively and, when necessary, not to pull punches.When the government attacks the press though, it is also our job to pay attention, especially after recent events show that the police and IDF don’t fully understand what it means to allow journalists to do their jobs. This was evident most recently in Jerusalem, where police banned reporters and photographers from entering the Old City during the Temple Mount crisis.This does not mean I don’t understand the desire in Israel to shut Al Jazeera and ban it from broadcasting here. I do. Egypt, for example, blocked Al Jazeera in May, accusing the TV station and website of “supporting terrorism.” If that is how an Arab country refers to an Arab TV station, then why should a Jewish country feel any different?The problem is that Israel is not Egypt, and, last I checked, does not aspire to have its democracy modeled after the Egyptian system of government. Citing Egypt’s ban of Al Jazeera is not enough of a reason for Israel to do the same.In addition, it does not yet seem that the government has a made a compelling case against Al Jazeera that would justify and warrant its closure. Communications Minister Ayoub Kara said in a press conference this week that the government had decided to close the station, since it was ludicrous that it was banned in Arab countries and not here. He also said that the station is “causing us to lose the lives of our best sons.”If that is the case, then the government needs to do a better job at explaining itself. If Al Jazeera is in fact responsible for the loss of life, then Kara should publicize that information so the public can better understand this move, which on the surface appears to an infringement on the freedom of the press.The Government Press Office said it was consulting Israeli security authorities before making a decision on whether it will revoke Al Jazeera’s press credentials as Kara has requested. This makes sense. The Shin Bet and the Mossad seem to be best suited to evaluate the danger Al Jazeera poses to Israel. If there is danger, then steps should be taken.Nevertheless, I remain suspicious of the entire campaign. The reason is the timing. The announcement of Israel’s desire to close down Al Jazeera came immediately after Netanyahu caved to Arab pressure and removed the metal detectors from the entrances to the Temple Mount. It is difficult to disconnect the two and not suspect Netanyahu of randomly selecting Al Jazeera as a target to bolster his rightwing support after caving to the Arab world.Ultimately, the decision will be up to Israel’s security services, and should be based on the cold hard facts. Israel has real enemies and challenges to confront. A TV station, even one backed by the Qataris, shouldn’t be at the top of the list.