i24NEWS Fights Government Delay on New Communications Law in High Court
i24NEWS has filed a strong objection with Israel's High Court of Justice against the government's request for an extension to submit its position on petitions challenging the new Communications Law. The network argues that technical requests for delays should not lead to the indefinite suspension of a comprehensive Knesset law, which spans nearly 200 articles and dozens of regulatory provisions aimed at reshaping Israel's media and broadcasting market.
Several entities, including television channels and civil society organizations, have petitioned the High Court against the law. Following these petitions, the court issued an interim order freezing the law's implementation pending the government's response and a formal hearing on whether to grant an interim injunction. The government, facing a September 10, 2026 deadline to present its stance, sought a brief extension citing work difficulties, the summer recess, and the High Holy Days.
i24NEWS contends that the court's initial order was intended for a short period, but repeated extensions are effectively turning it into an interim injunction without proper deliberation or justification. The network highlighted the sensitive timing, with Israel reportedly "on the eve of elections," arguing that freezing a law designed to remove barriers and foster competition in the communications sector harms the public interest during such a critical period.
The network's lawyers pointed to the government's past stance in the Galatz affair, where it argued against measures that would reduce media activity during election periods. i24NEWS asserts that the law's suspension directly impacts its operations, specifically citing Article 145, which provides transitional arrangements for channel number stability, and Article 149(b), which aims to remove a discriminatory barrier allowing i24NEWS to broadcast on cable infrastructure.
Consequently, i24NEWS urges the High Court to reject the government's extension request and hold an immediate hearing. Alternatively, if a short delay is granted, the network requests the immediate exclusion of Articles 145 and 149(b) from the freeze to prevent further damage.
