Shas Joins United Torah Judaism in Opposing Communications Law, Jeopardizing Coalition Majority

The Shas party announced on Monday that it will not support the Communications Law promoted by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi. Shas stated that the amendments it demanded, based on rabbinical directives to protect religious values, were not included in the final version of the bill. This decision aligns Shas with United Torah Judaism, which earlier declared opposition to the law, casting serious doubt on the coalition's ability to pass the legislation.

Shas urged Minister Karhi to split the bill and bring to a vote only the sections related to regulatory easing for new channels, including Channel 14. Shas expressed willingness to support such a divided bill and expects this to happen promptly. United Torah Judaism, including Degel HaTorah chairman MK Moshe Gafni, opposed the law due to unresolved issues concerning religious values and broadcasts on the Sabbath. They had previously warned that without significant changes, they could not support the bill.

The Communications Law is a key reform initiative by Minister Karhi, aiming for broad changes in Israel's broadcasting market and regulation. Several chapters have already been split off during the legislative process. Shas now seeks an additional split to advance separately the provisions easing regulations for new channels. The combined opposition of the two Haredi parties leaves the coalition without a majority to pass the law unless the proposed split is accepted.