Channel 14 Launches Intimidation Campaign Against Knesset Legal Advisor Amid Media Law Dispute

Channel 14 has initiated a campaign targeting Shagit Afik, the Knesset's legal advisor, who is set to provide a critical opinion to the Supreme Court on flaws in the legislative process of the controversial Media Weakening Law. The channel, which stands to gain millions in regulatory benefits from the law, aired a preview for a Sunday report titled "Who Took Over the Knesset?" that portrays Afik negatively and suggests intimidation against lawmakers.

The promo features Afik’s voice warning that any Knesset member opposing the law would be unable to serve, alongside dramatic captions such as "Rule of Fear" and "Threats." The report includes interviews with Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, who praised the channel and dismissed fears of the law’s critics, and Likud MK Galit Distel-Atbaryan, a co-sponsor of the law, who acknowledged the serious conflict it creates.

Afik’s legal opinion highlights procedural defects in the law’s expedited passage, which has become central to ongoing Supreme Court petitions challenging the legislation. Recently, the court issued an injunction freezing parts of the law pending further review, citing "serious claims" about both the legislative process and the law’s provisions. The injunction suspends approvals for i24NEWS to broadcast via cable and satellite and blocks multi-channel platforms yes and HOT from airing advertisements under the new law.

The campaign against Afik comes amid heightened tensions over the law’s impact on media regulation and freedom, with Channel 14 leveraging its favorable position to pressure the legal advisor and influence public perception ahead of the court’s final decision.