The High Court of Justice issued an order on Sunday freezing the implementation of the law that would weaken the media, pending further review.
The High Court of Justice on Sunday issued an order freezing the implementation of the law to weaken the media, pending further judicial review. The order halts the law's entry into force.
The freeze came after a series of statements by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi earlier Sunday. At 09:29 Jerusalem, Karhi first refused to participate in the High Court proceeding, calling the court "lawbreakers" (Ynet). Shortly after, he called on Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to clarify the High Court's authority via a special Knesset decision (Amit Segal, N12). Karhi later declared that the High Court order was issued without authority and that the law remains in effect.
The development is the latest in the ongoing controversy over the law, which critics say would weaken media independence. The High Court's order now places the law on hold as the legal challenge proceeds.
It remains unclear when the court will hold a final hearing. Karhi's assertion that the law remains in effect has no immediate legal force, as the court order is binding.
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