United Torah Judaism Blocks Communications Bill, Threatening Coalition Majority

The United Torah Judaism party leaders, MKs Yitzhak Goldknopf and Moshe Gafni, announced their opposition to the Communications Law proposed by Minister Shlomo Karhi, undermining the coalition's majority needed for its passage. This development reduces the coalition's support to 60 votes against 58 opponents, placing the reform's future in immediate jeopardy. The crisis emerged after the Knesset legal advisor, Attorney Shagit Afik, ruled that procedural issues prevent addressing the "immoral broadcasts" clause demanded by the ultra-Orthodox parties, as it was separated early in the legislative process. Reinstating this clause now requires a special vote by the entire Knesset, not just committee approval. Afik also rejected attempts to include Sabbath observance exemptions in the law, citing lack of proper discussion and serious legislative flaws. She accepted opposition claims that some amendments introduce "new matters," further delaying progress.

This legal setback places Shas chairman Aryeh Deri in a difficult political position. Some rabbis from Shas's Council of Torah Sages strongly oppose the current bill version, which they believe permits Sabbath desecration and prohibited content broadcasts. Previously, Shas could justify supporting the bill as part of coalition deals to pass laws important to their community. However, without the procedural protections they demanded, backing the bill now appears as active opposition to their rabbis' stance.