Israeli Communications Reform Bill Passes Key Legislative Stages with Broad Changes

The Israeli Communications Reform Bill was approved today for its second and third readings by the special committee chaired by Knesset Member Galit Distel Atbaryan, following 58 sessions of deliberation. This comprehensive reform aims to modernize broadcasting regulations, increase competition, and adapt the communications market to the digital era.

The bill mandates the creation of an independent Communications Authority that will consolidate existing regulatory bodies and establish new frameworks for content providers. It also introduces a free national app enabling public access to open channels and major sports events. New rules will prevent companies holding sports broadcasting rights from forcing subscribers into expensive bundled packages.

Additionally, the reform requires content providers to gradually invest a portion of their revenues in original Israeli productions. Licensing obligations will be updated, and regulatory relief will be granted to new market entrants to foster competition. Despite some reservations raised by the Knesset legal advisor and opposition members regarding enforcement powers and definitions of market entities, the committee approved the bill’s text, which is now set for a Knesset plenary vote.

The law will take effect within 24 months of publication, with various provisions activating at different times according to the established schedule. Committee Chair Galit Distel Atbaryan stated, "Israeli communications will change fundamentally after nearly 80 years. Israeli citizens will have broader choices, consumers will feel price reductions, and everyone will benefit from the reform’s outcomes." Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi emphasized the bill’s intent to prevent the state from actively expanding Sabbath desecration through broadcasting.