Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi Backs Amendment to Media Law, Urges Haredi Parties to Support It

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi announced on Monday evening that he will accept an amendment to the Communications Law proposed by MK Avi Maoz. This decision follows demands from the Shas and Degel HaTorah parties and aligns with agreements reached in the Knesset Economics Committee discussions. The amendment aims to protect religious values within the framework of the ongoing media reform.

According to the attached document, the amendment modifies the definition of "exempt content providers," ensuring that the exemption applies to cable and satellite services primarily broadcasting channels registered under the law's provisions. Karhi called on Shas and Degel HaTorah to support the bill now that their demands have been addressed.

In his statement, Karhi urged the Haredi parties to back the right-wing media reform, emphasizing opposition to what he described as a "false campaign by Channel 12 against the Haredim and the right." This announcement came after Shas earlier declared it could not support the original bill due to the absence of necessary amendments to safeguard religious values.