Israeli Knesset Votes on Controversial Media Weakening Law Amid Legal Challenges

The Israeli Knesset is set to vote today on the second and third readings of a contentious media reform law promoted by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi. The legislation, advanced rapidly under tight deadlines and amid chaotic discussions, has faced unprecedented warnings from legal advisors and professional bodies about procedural flaws. It also faces multiple petitions filed with the Supreme Court challenging its validity.

Karhi has pushed the reform for over a year, claiming it will deregulate and open the media market to competition. However, the current version includes several controversial provisions that critics say will reshape Israel’s media landscape. Key elements include government control over TV ratings data to influence state advertising budgets, removal of cross-ownership restrictions allowing media owners to hold multiple outlets, and the elimination of structural separations designed to protect editorial independence.

The law also redefines "small channels" by raising the revenue threshold from 80 million to 2 billion shekels, effectively exempting all commercial channels from obligations to maintain separate news companies and reducing regulatory oversight of news broadcasts. In addition, a special parliamentary communications committee was formed to expedite the bill, stripping away protections for minors, disabled persons, and election campaign fairness without offering alternatives.

A significant setback occurred when Karhi was forced to remove a provision establishing a free government streaming app to replace "Idan Plus," after opposition from ultra-Orthodox parties fearing Sabbath violations and inappropriate content. This opposition nearly derailed the entire bill.

The legislative process has drawn sharp criticism for bypassing the Attorney General’s approval and causing the legal advisory team to abandon committee discussions due to hostile treatment. The Supreme Court recently held an unusual hearing with three justices, including Chief Justice Isaac Amit, acknowledging serious procedural defects but declining to issue an interim injunction given the bill’s advanced stage and impending Knesset dissolution. The court indicated it may reconsider intervention after final approval.

Karhi stated that advancing the law was a directive from Prime Minister Netanyahu and framed it as a political achievement ahead of Likud primaries. Meanwhile, opposition parties warn the law threatens media freedom and transparency in Israel.