MK Naama Lazimi Urges Attorney General to Review Netanyahu's Conflict of Interest in Media Weakening Bill

On July 1, 2026, MK Naama Lazimi from the Democrats party sent an urgent letter to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, demanding a reassessment of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conflict of interest regarding the proposed Media Broadcasting Law. Lazimi argues that significant amendments favoring media outlets close to Netanyahu, introduced during parliamentary discussions, require Baharav-Miara to update her legal opinion that initially permitted Netanyahu's involvement despite conflict of interest concerns.

Netanyahu's conflict of interest arrangement, established in November 2020 by then-Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and upheld by the Supreme Court, restricts him from engaging in legislative or regulatory matters related to the communications sector due to his ongoing criminal cases. However, reports indicate Netanyahu has repeatedly intervened in media-related issues. Lazimi claims the current bill is not a genuine media reform but rather a "fire sale" of public interest in exchange for favorable coverage and propaganda.

One of the main beneficiaries of the bill is businessman Patrick Drahi, owner of HOT, i24NEWS, and other outlets. The law would grant i24NEWS the right to broadcast advertisements immediately, potentially generating tens of millions of shekels annually, secure prominent channel placement without fees, expand distribution to cable and satellite platforms, and remove restrictions on cross-ownership and minimum news investment requirements. Additionally, commercial broadcasters like Keshet would be compelled to provide content to distribution platforms without compensation, benefiting HOT.

Channel 14, associated with businessman Yitzhak Mirilashvili and considered a pro-government outlet, would also receive extensive regulatory relief, including exemptions from obligations imposed on large commercial channels, reduced licensing fees, elimination of requirements to establish separate news companies or relocate news studios to Jerusalem, and changes in ratings measurement that could redirect government advertising funds to the channel.

Former Netanyahu advisor Nir Hefetz, now a state witness in the corruption cases, described the broadcasting law as "Case 5000," equating it to Netanyahu's criminal allegations but conducted openly in the Knesset through Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi. Hefetz expressed hope for correction in the upcoming October elections, warning of dire consequences otherwise.

Lazimi called on Attorney General Baharav-Miara to "stop the madness" and prevent the engineering of the media market to serve political interests rather than the public good.