Israeli Communications Minister Acknowledges Political Deal to Advance Kashrut Reform for Ultra-Orthodox Support

On June 29, 2026, Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karai confirmed reports of a secret political deal with Shas party leader Aryeh Deri. The agreement involves advancing a kashrut reform in exchange for ultra-Orthodox parties' support of a controversial broadcasting law aimed at weakening the media. Karai openly stated, "I am very much in favor of political deals, I am a politician," when questioned about the arrangement during a Knesset Communications Committee session.

The committee convened to discuss coalition members' objections to the broadcasting law, particularly from ultra-Orthodox factions who oppose it due to unresolved issues such as desecration of the Sabbath and regulation of prohibited content on a new government broadcasting app intended to replace "Idan Plus." In a surprising move, MK Avi Maoz announced his resignation from the committee and declared he would vote against the law in its current form, citing Sabbath desecration as "above any deal." Maoz criticized both coalition and opposition for enabling Sabbath violations and vowed not to support legislation harming Israel's Jewish character.

Committee Chair Galit Distel-Atbaryan acknowledged the complexity of the issue, describing it as "bigger than us, it is coalition-related." Despite Karai's commitment to the ultra-Orthodox, objections regarding the app's operation on the Sabbath and the inclusion of sexual content will not be accepted by the committee. Karai requested that unresolved objections be deferred to the full Knesset for a vote. Legal advisor Pinchas Gerot warned that voting differently in committee than in the plenum would constitute a significant procedural flaw. Ultimately, coalition and opposition members voted together to reject Maoz's objection.

This development highlights ongoing tensions within the Israeli government over media regulation, religious observance, and political bargaining, with the broadcasting law's fate now resting with the full Knesset vote.