Israeli Parliament Legal Advisor Blocks Ultra-Orthodox Demands in Broadcasting Law Amendment

The passage of the Broadcasting Law, which aims to impact free media and support affiliated channels, faces uncertainty after the Knesset's legal advisor, Sagit Afik, rejected the ultra-Orthodox factions' demand to reinstate clauses related to banning obscene content and preventing broadcasts on the Sabbath via a new government app. These clauses, initially separated from the main law, were requested by the ultra-Orthodox parties United Torah Judaism and Shas as a condition for their support, aiming to block the distribution of pornographic material.

The government app, intended to replace "Idan Plus," will serve as a central digital platform for Israeli broadcast channels. Due to ultra-Orthodox opposition, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi had to promote provisions forbidding the Second Authority from providing content to the app on the Sabbath. Shas rabbis declared they would oppose the law unless it includes measures against obscene broadcasts and Sabbath transmissions through the app.

A recent deal between Shas and the coalition linked the approval of the Broadcasting Law's second and third readings to the passage of the "Jobs Law," which restores the Chief Rabbinate's monopoly over kosher certification and creates hundreds of new kosher supervisor jobs. Without Shas's backing, United Torah Judaism is also unlikely to support the Broadcasting Law, risking the coalition losing its majority before the Knesset dissolves on July 16.

Afik emphasized in the Knesset Broadcasting Committee that the removed clauses are significant and should not be reintroduced through backdoor legislative amendments. She clarified that legal review of legislation occurs only at the end of the process, citing Supreme Court precedents. Afik acknowledged that committee discussions might address these issues properly but stated that currently, the clauses cannot be reinstated.

United Torah Judaism chairman Itzhak Goldknopf criticized the law, arguing that establishing a government-funded app to provide free broadcasts represents an unprecedented breach of the status quo, actively promoting content forbidden on the Sabbath and undermining traditional lifestyles.