Israeli Communications Minister Agrees to Remove Controversial App to Secure Ultra-Orthodox Support

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karai has agreed to remove the "Shabbat Violating" app from the Communications Weakening Law to gain the support of ultra-Orthodox parties. The app, which provides free access to TV channels and sports broadcasts, is opposed by the ultra-Orthodox community because they claim its operation violates the Sabbath. Despite Karai viewing the app as the core achievement of the law benefiting consumers, he is willing to exclude it to ensure the bill's passage.

Karai bypassed Shas leader Aryeh Deri and directly approached Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, a senior Torah Council sage, who conveyed that the coalition deal with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties was paramount. Deri considered Karai's move "unfriendly." Karai also contacted United Torah Judaism chairman Yitzhak Goldknopf, who reiterated the demand to disable the government app on Shabbat, a request Karai accepted.

The legal advisory office clarified that removing the app provision requires sending the entire bill back to committee for revision, effectively restarting the legislative process. Karai proposed voting on parts of the bill separately in the Knesset plenary, a move opposed by some legal advisors. Meanwhile, the ultra-Orthodox parties want other legislation, including laws on arrests, daycare, military exemptions, and kosher certification, to pass before supporting Karai's bill.

Karai has been actively negotiating with ultra-Orthodox lawmakers, including Moshe Gafni, to introduce amendments during the plenary session, despite legal counsel advising against it. The controversy highlights tensions within the coalition and the challenges of balancing consumer interests with religious sensitivities in Israeli legislation.