The Knesset plenum approved Communications Minister Shlomo Karei's Communications Bill (Broadcasting Reform) in its first reading. 54 Knesset members voted in favor, 47 opposed, and the bill will proceed to discussions in the Knesset committee. The law is being advanced despite the position of the legal counsel, and as part of a "deal" with the ultra-Orthodox parties, who received in return the advancement of legislation expanding the authority of rabbinical courts. In September, Government Legal Adviser Gali Baharav-Miara wrote about the proposal that it "includes arrangements that create increased risks to the character of free media in Israel. There is a real concern of significant commercial and political influence and involvement in the work of media bodies."
With Haredi support: Karei's Communications Bill passes first reading
Amir Ettinger|
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