Israeli Supreme Court Chief Justice Comments on Ultra-Orthodox Dual Phone Usage During Radio Broadcast Dispute

Israeli Supreme Court President Justice Isaac Amit stated during a Supreme Court hearing that many in the ultra-Orthodox community carry two phones: a kosher phone in one pocket and a regular smartphone in the other. He noted that a significant percentage of the ultra-Orthodox population maintains this dual-phone practice, with one device for religious compliance and another for general use.

Justice Amit made these remarks during a hearing on a petition filed by Lobby 99 and the TzalaHa organization, represented by attorney Elad Mann. The petition challenges decisions by the Second Authority for Television and Radio and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi to expand the broadcast areas of several regional radio stations beyond their originally designated zones. The petitioners argue that the decisions, dated March 1 and June 30, 2026, were made without proper authority and contain significant flaws.

They also seek to annul the Frequency Committee's decision to promote and implement the expanded broadcasts and challenge Minister Karhi's May 11, 2026 decision, claiming it lacked approval from the relevant security body, was factually unsupported, and influenced by extraneous considerations. The petition further contends that the emergency powers under Section 13A of the Communications Law do not authorize the minister to alter regional broadcast maps.

The petitioners express concern that previous attempts by the minister to expand these broadcasts, along with statements made during election campaigns, suggest political and commercial motives. This legal dispute highlights tensions over media regulation and the unique communication habits within Israel's ultra-Orthodox community.