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 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 legality.

Karhi has championed the reform for over a year, framing it as deregulation to open the media market to competition. However, the current version includes controversial provisions that critics say will reshape Israel’s media landscape. Key elements include government control over TV ratings data to direct state advertising budgets, removal of cross-ownership restrictions allowing media owners to hold multiple outlets, and 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 annually, 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, removing important protections related to minors, disability rights, and election campaign fairness.

A significant last-minute concession involved scrapping a government streaming app intended to replace the "Idan Plus" service after opposition from ultra-Orthodox parties fearing Sabbath violations and inappropriate content. This opposition nearly derailed the bill’s passage.

The Supreme Court held an unusual hearing with three justices, including Chief Justice Isaac Amit, to consider petitions against the law while it is still under parliamentary review. Legal representatives acknowledged serious procedural defects but argued that an interim injunction would be impractical given the legislative timeline. The court indicated reluctance to intervene at this late stage but left open the possibility of future rulings once the law is enacted.

The vote comes just before the Knesset’s dissolution and ahead of critical upcoming elections, with the law’s fate likely to have lasting impacts on Israeli media freedom and regulation.