Israel's Attorney General Seeks Interim Order Against Communications Law

Israel's Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, has urged the Supreme Court to issue an interim order halting the implementation of Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi's controversial law, arguing it would cause severe damage to the free media market. In a filing submitted Thursday, she stated the law was passed through a flawed process and contains significant substantive defects.

This development follows a previous interim order issued by the Supreme Court in July. At that time, Justice Ofer Grosskopf had suspended the immediate provisions of the law, pending a decision on the requests for an interim order. He noted that the petitions raised serious claims regarding both the legislative process and the law's substance, expressing concern that reversing its effects after implementation would be difficult.

Minister Karhi had strongly criticized the court's earlier decision, asserting that the Supreme Court lacks the authority to freeze or invalidate laws passed by the Knesset. He declared the law valid and stated he would not participate in proceedings where he felt the court was biased.

The law, which aims to fundamentally reshape Israel's media landscape, was passed after a rapid and contentious legislative process. Key provisions include the dissolution of the Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Council and the Second Authority for Television and Radio, replacing them with a smaller regulatory body. It also removes significant regulatory barriers, benefits Channel 14, which is seen as loyal to the government, and eases restrictions on broadcast licenses and cross-ownership in media companies.

The Journalists' Association also commented, expressing confidence that the court would deem the law invalid and vowing to defend free press against what they called a government attack.