United Torah Judaism Opposes Communication Law, Jeopardizing Coalition Majority

United Torah Judaism (UTJ) has announced its opposition to the Communication Law proposed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, casting doubt on the coalition's ability to pass one of the minister's flagship bills. This opposition follows a legal opinion from the Knesset's legal advisor stating that no substantial amendments can be made to the bill at its current legislative stage. Consequently, UTJ's requested changes, particularly regarding Sabbath observance and restrictions on pornographic content in the government app, cannot be incorporated.

Following the legal opinion, UTJ declared it would not support the bill, complicating the coalition's efforts and undermining the chances of completing the legislation in the current Knesset session. Beyond the bill's content, coalition sources suggest the opposition also reflects a broader political struggle. They claim UTJ's resistance is partly aimed at countering Shas chairman Aryeh Deri's initiatives related to kosher law reforms.

This opposition is seen as a pressure tactic within the internal power dynamics among the ultra-Orthodox parties and ongoing negotiations with the Prime Minister. Alongside opposition from MK Avi Maoz, the bill currently lacks a majority in the Knesset, putting its passage in serious jeopardy.