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Monday, November 3, 2025
Knesset legal adviser warns that Karhi’s broadcast regulation bill does not have AG’s approval
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAriela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Knesset Legal Adviser Sagit Afik issues a rare warning to lawmakers ahead of today’s first reading of Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s controversial broadcast legislation in the Knesset, noting that it does not have the legally required approval of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.
In a letter addressed to members of the Knesset, Afik says that “to the best of my knowledge, such a note — or one similar — has never previously been included in the printed booklet of government bills.”
Afik adds that under the circumstances, her office cannot yet assess the legality of the bill but will “provide our detailed views” before it advances to second or third readings.
Baharav-Miara has sharply criticized the bill, saying it would enable “political interference in the work of broadcast bodies and endanger the free press in Israel.”
Karhi’s legislation, should it pass, would give the government significant control over broadcast media by establishing a new regulatory council, with a majority of members chosen by the communications minister, which would have an array of authorities over broadcast media, including the ability to issue hefty fines.
The Times of Israel Community.