Israeli Supreme Court Reviews Dispute Over Regional Radio Broadcast Expansion

The Israeli Supreme Court convened on Wednesday to hear a petition challenging the decision to allow several regional radio stations to broadcast beyond their designated areas. The petition was filed by Lobby 99 and the Tzlacha Association, represented by attorney Elad Mann, and targets decisions by the Second Authority for Television and Radio Council and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi. Karhi used emergency powers under Section 13A of the Communications Law to expand the broadcast zones of these stations.

The court panel, consisting of Supreme Court President Isaac Amit, Justice Alex Stein, and Justice Gila Kanfi-Steinitz, initially issued an interim injunction freezing the implementation of the expanded broadcasts pending further review. However, the injunction was later significantly narrowed after the Home Front Command stated that the expansion was necessary.

The petitioners argue that Section 13A does not authorize the minister to alter the regional broadcast map via emergency powers. They also raise concerns about potential political and commercial motives behind Karhi's previous attempts to expand these broadcasts, citing statements he made during the election period. Government legal advisor Gali Baharav-Miara opposes the minister's decision, claiming it lacks proper authority, factual and professional basis, and does not meet legal conditions. She recommends canceling the decision, noting that the public broadcasting corporation can adequately meet the needs. Karhi maintains that his decision is lawful.

Separately, Justice Solberg rejected the government legal advisor's position against Ben Gvir in a related matter. The Supreme Court's ruling on this case will clarify the limits of ministerial emergency powers in regulating broadcast zones and address concerns over political influence in media regulation.