NEW DELHI: The launch of a new television channel in Palestine appears to be kicking off a new political row in the region, which lives in constant tension.

The launch of Palestine 48, a satellite television channel of the Palestine Authority, aims to reach the 20 per cent Arab minority population in Israel during the month of Ramadan.

The plan was strongly criticized by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said that he had given instructions to Israel’s Communications Ministry to examine the channel for possible criminal and other administrative measures to prevent the channel from getting on air. Incidentally, Netanyahu himself heads the Communications Ministry.

The possibility of jamming the channel may also be considered.

During a press conference, Palestinian Authority Communications Minister Riad Hassan said that Netanyahu and his extremist right-wing government could not shut Palestine 48 down. “The channel will also give a stage to the other side, to right wing people and ministers from the government,” he said.