Israeli Knesset Returns Broadcasting Law to Committee Following Ultra-Orthodox Objections

The Israeli Knesset is set to send the Broadcasting Law back to the Communications Committee after approving it last week for second and third readings. The plenary session paused on Wednesday evening and will resume to vote on the law's return to committee for further revisions. The Communications Committee is expected to amend the law due to opposition from the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism. These parties have objected to the law because it permits the operation of a government app on the Sabbath and could allow broadcasting content they label as "obscene." Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi promised the ultra-Orthodox factions that changes would be made to the law's wording. Initially, he intended to propose amendments during the upcoming readings, but the Knesset's legal advisor clarified that this approach is not feasible since the app's operation is addressed in multiple sections of the law, necessitating renewed committee discussion.

The Broadcasting Law is Minister Karhi's flagship reform aimed at reshaping Israel's television and radio market. It proposes establishing a new regulatory authority to replace existing oversight bodies, altering the regulatory model for broadcasting entities, and expanding market competition. The legislation has sparked intense debate throughout its passage. Media organizations and the government's legal advisor have criticized potential impacts on media independence, while ultra-Orthodox parties have strongly opposed provisions related to the government app's Sabbath operation and the potential transmission of content they consider inappropriate.