The Knesset passed the Communications Law in its third and final vote Thursday evening, by a margin of 53-48, according to reports. The legislation, a flashpoint between coalition and opposition, now enters into force.
The Knesset passed the Communications Law in its final reading by a vote of 53-48 on Thursday evening, capping a day of legislative maneuvering. The final vote followed the conclusion of voting on objections, which began at 02:28 Jerusalem as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the plenum, as The Zioneer reported at the time. The law, proposed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, now enters into force.
As reported at 02:28 Jerusalem, voting on objections to the bill commenced with Netanyahu present. Earlier thread items showed that United Torah Judaism had signaled it would skip the vote, with Shas backing the coalition to clear the path to passage. The coalition ultimately secured the necessary majority, with one opposition source noting that the bill's approval was not in doubt once the coalition whips were activated. The Zioneer's coverage tracked the evolution from procedural stages to final passage: the committee approved the bill for final votes earlier this week, and opposition lawmakers had demanded a halt over alleged procedural violations.
Attributed background: The Zioneer reported on Tuesday that the Knesset Communications Committee approved the bill for second and third readings, and on Monday that Minister Karhi accused Channel 12 and the legal advisor of trying to block the law. The legislation has been a flashpoint between coalition and opposition, with critics arguing it weakens media regulation. The Zioneer also noted that United Torah Judaism's earlier considerations of a boycott were resolved by the time of the final vote.
What remains open: Opposition factions have vowed to challenge the law in the High Court of Justice, citing procedural irregularities and alleged constitutional violations. The Zioneer will continue to track legal filings and any court rulings on the matter.
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Source and signal
- Internal intake