Israeli Knesset Legal Advisor Says Ban on Prohibited Broadcast Content Cannot Be Regulated Now

The legal advisor to the Knesset, Attorney Shagit Afik, stated on July 6, 2026, that at the current stage of legislation, it is not possible to regulate the prohibition of forbidden broadcast content, including obscene material and child protection, within the Communications Law. This issue was separated from the main law at an earlier stage, complicating efforts to address it comprehensively.

The matter has become a central point of opposition from the ultra-Orthodox parties, who refuse to support the Broadcasting Law until restrictions on prohibited content in the government app replacing "Idan Plus" are properly regulated. Last week, the Knesset's Communications Committee convened to discuss coalition members' reservations, mainly from the ultra-Orthodox factions, concerning unresolved issues such as Sabbath desecration and content restrictions in the new government streaming platform.

Attorney Afik emphasized that protections for minors were also removed due to the split, contributing to the legislative confusion and challenges. The ongoing dispute highlights the difficulties in finalizing the Broadcasting Law amid political and regulatory disagreements.