Israel's Supreme Court Halts Communications Law Over Legislative Flaws

Israel's Supreme Court issued an order nisi against Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi's communications law on Thursday, demanding the state explain why the legislation should not be canceled due to alleged procedural defects. Concurrently, the court issued an interim order suspending the law's implementation until further notice. This decision follows a July freeze by the court on certain provisions of the law via an interim order. During the legislative process, the Knesset's Legal Advisor, Shagit Afik, had warned of procedural flaws, stating the process did not meet required standards. The ruling was made by Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit and Justices Alex Stein and Yechiel Kasher after reviewing arguments and a prior hearing. The justices indicated that the claims regarding the legislative process raise significant questions, justifying the demand for the state's explanation. The government's response is due by January 7, 2027. The court opted to focus initially on the legislative process rather than the law's content, with substantive challenges reserved for later. The justices noted the government's failure to submit its response to interim order requests despite ample time, leading to the suspension of the law. The case will eventually be heard by an expanded panel of nine justices. The communications law, passed in July by a 53-48 vote, introduces significant changes to broadcast market oversight, including easier establishment of new news channels and alterations to news company structures. Petitions against the law were filed by journalists' organizations, media outlets, and Knesset members.