Event Summary
On 4 November 2025, the Knesset approved in its first reading (out of three) a proposed Communications Reform Bill promoted by the Minister of Communications, Dr. Shlomo Karhi. The bill is presented by the Minister as a reform aimed at removing regulatory barriers, diversifying and expanding the range of broadcasting bodies operating in Israel, and updating television broadcasting regulation. However, opponents of the bill — including CSOs, academics, media professionals, and legal experts — see several of its clauses as an attempt to deepen government control and influence over the media in Israel, and to erode freedom of expression.
Minister Karhi frequently attacks Israel’s mainstream broadcasting channels for what he describes as their unpatriotic point of view. He has also been promoting media outlets perceived as supportive of the government, while taking steps that could undermine the status and budgets of media outlets perceived as critical of the government, such as such the public broadcaster “KAN”, which relies on public funding.
Among the controversial provisions in the proposed law are: abolishing the existing separation between news divisions and commercial channel owners — a distinction whose removal could expose journalists to constant pressure and establishment of a new communications authority to replace the existing one, with provisions that would allow the government significant influence over its composition and activities. The proposed authority would also have powers to impose fines and financial sanctions on broadcasters.
The bill was approved in its first reading despite the opposition of the Attorney General, who argued that the reform could undermine the ability of Israel’s free press to fulfill its essential role in a democratic society. Even before the bill reached the Knesset floor, “The Movement for Quality Government (Hatzlacha)” petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the legislative process, both because of its content and the decision of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation to advance it despite the Attorney General’s objection — a decision the Minister himself publicly boasted about in the Knesset. The existence of a free and independent media is a vital element in maintaining an open and supportive environment for civil society organizations.