Likud minister’s contentious media regulation bill passes first reading in Knesset

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s highly controversial bill that would dramatically overhaul Israel’s media landscape passes its first reading in the Knesset, with 54 lawmakers voting in favor and 47 against.

The legislation 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.

Karhi, one of the most far-right members of the Likud party, has claimed that the law would increase competition in the media market and reduce costs for content consumers.

Attorney General Gali 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.” Ahead of the bill’s first reading, Knesset Legal Advisor Sagit Afik issued a rare warning to lawmakers noting that it doesn’t have Baharav-Miara’s legally required approval.

The bill will now advance to the Knesset Economics Committee, where it will be discussed and debated before being prepared for a second and third reading in the Knesset.

The committee is led by Likud MK David Bitan, who has blocked previous efforts by Karhi, including his bill to shut down the Kan public broadcaster. The bill passed its preliminary reading in the Knesset plenum last November before becoming stuck in committee.