The Knesset passed the Communications Law in its final vote Thursday evening, according to ynet. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the task assigned to him four years ago has been completed.
Thursday evening, the Knesset passed the Communications Law in its final reading by a vote of 53-48, according to reports. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the task assigned four years ago has been completed, as reported by ynet. The legislation now enters into force.
The vote was the culmination of a day-long legislative process. The bill was presented for second and third readings in the Knesset plenum early Thursday (02:28 Jerusalem). As The Zioneer reported, United Torah Judaism initially considered boycotting the vote over a Shabbat dispute, but the party's absence ultimately did not prevent passage. Prime Minister Netanyahu arrived at the plenum to vote, and the final vote took place Thursday evening. Earlier this week, the Knesset Communications Committee approved the bill for final readings (Mon Jul 13 and Tue Jul 14).
Minister Karhi had previously stated that the law would pass despite opposition from Channel 12 and the Attorney General's office, as The Zioneer reported on Monday. The law has been a flashpoint between coalition and opposition, with critics alleging it weakens media regulation.
The law's effects remain to be seen, with no immediate reports of legal challenges or implementation steps.
8 developments
- DevelopingKnesset Communications Committee approves communications law for final votes
- DevelopingKarhi to Netanyahu: Right-wing media reform completed
- Developingi24NEWS report details broadcast law controversy ahead of Knesset dissolution
- StrongKnesset approves National Cyber Defense Bill in first reading
Source and signal
- Internal intake