Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi Amplifies Controversy with Harsh Criticism of Judiciary and Support for Haredi Draft Evasion

Shlomo Karhi, Israel's Communications Minister and a member of the Likud party, has sparked significant controversy through his social media activity, which includes nearly 277 posts sharply criticizing the judiciary and supporting Haredi draft evasion. Over the past year, Karhi has posted almost daily attacks against the Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, the Supreme Court, and its president, Isaac Amit, whom he has disparaged as illegitimate despite Amit’s lawful appointment.

Karhi, who leads the Haredi faction within Likud and previously headed the Haredi campaign in the 2019 elections, openly supports legislation exempting Haredi men from military service, calling opponents of the law threats to national security. He has also pushed for nationwide broadcasting rights for Haredi radio stations during emergencies, clashing with legal advisors who oppose these regulatory changes. Karhi’s political and spiritual background combines elements of national-religious and Sephardic Haredi communities, influenced by the late Rabbi Meir Mazuz.

In addition to his judicial attacks, Karhi has threatened police investigators involved in high-profile corruption cases against Prime Minister Netanyahu, demanding full pardons and warning of consequences for those pursuing legal actions. He has also questioned the legitimacy of election results and criticized the Supreme Court’s involvement in electoral matters, suggesting the court should not have the final say.

Karhi’s rhetoric extends to dismissing violence against journalists, refusing to condemn threats and attacks on media personnel, including Channel 12 reporters. Despite a recent death threat letter sent to a Channel 12 journalist, Karhi remained silent. He has also sought to curtail funding and influence of media outlets he deems hostile, including public broadcaster Kan and the newspaper Haaretz.

His confrontational stance includes dismissing the authority of legal advisors and regulatory bodies, promising to dismantle the Second Authority for Television and Radio and reduce government oversight of media. Karhi’s aggressive social media presence and political maneuvers underscore his role as a polarizing figure within Israeli politics, particularly in the ongoing debates over judicial reform, military conscription, and media freedom.

Karhi’s next steps likely involve continuing to push for legislative changes favoring Haredi exemptions and media regulation reforms, while maintaining his vocal opposition to the judiciary and legal establishment.