Communications Minister Agrees to Remove 'Sabbath-Violating' App to Secure Ultra-Orthodox Support
How 3 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
By דפנה ליאל, אלי הירשמן, דפנה ליאל, אלי הירשמן
First reported by Now 14 · Jul 6, 2026
What happened
Communications Minister Shlomo Karai agreed to remove a free TV and sports app from a media law to secure ultra-Orthodox support, who oppose it due to Sabbath concerns. This move requires sending the bill back to committee for revision, delaying its progress. Karai bypassed Shas leader Aryeh Deri by appealing directly to Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, causing internal tensions.
- 01Communications Minister Karai agrees to remove the Sabbath-violating app to gain ultra-Orthodox support.
- 02Ultra-Orthodox parties oppose the app, citing Sabbath desecration concerns.
- 03Karai bypassed Shas leader Aryeh Deri, appealing directly to Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef.
- 04Removing the app requires returning the bill to committee for legal revisions.
- 05Ultra-Orthodox want other legislation passed before supporting Karai's bill.
- 06Karai plans to allow partial bill approval with selective voting in the Knesset.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 3 outlets
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