The legislative machinery advances at full speed Israel. A few weeks ago the winter session began, the last of the current one Knessetthe Israeli Parliament, before upcoming electionsinitially scheduled for the month of October, although an advance is not ruled out. On the stage and in the streets, political parties have brought out all their artillery to begin to convince their electorate. From the legislative plenary session, they are advancing with bills that can transform the countrylike that of the death penalty for Palestinians accused of terrorism, or a new regulation of media that would put them under government control.
“A winter session is planned very dramatic that will not promote unity, but rather a greater polarization”predicts the doctor Gayil Talshirpolitical scientist and expert on Israeli trends and public opinion from the Hebrew University of Jerusalemto this newspaper. This week has been proof of that. On Monday, parliamentarians approved a bill allowing the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners convicted of terrorism. The initiative, which still has to pass two more votes and which has been supported by the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahuimposes capital punishment on those who kill Israelis for “nationalist motives”but would not apply to Israelis who murder Palestinians in similar circumstances.
Concession to the ultra-Orthodox
Then, on Tuesday, the Knesset approved another controversial law. Legislation that grants the government a significant control on radio stations and other media has advanced thanks to the support of ultra-Orthodox parties in exchange for a compensation. Until now, Haredi formations had been boycotting Netanyahu’s coalitionfrom which they have withdrawn due to the stagnation of the law that would prevent the mandatory military conscription of their young students from religious schools. For this reason, coalition members have supported the first reading of a private bill that will expand the authority of rabbinic courts. This would allow them to arbitrate civil disputes, including those related to child custody, with the consent of both parties.
In this way, the minister of communications, Somethinghas managed to get its initiative past the first reading in the Knesset. This law would drastically reform the Israel media landscapeby giving the government relevant dominance over broadcast media, news websites and other media. The establishment of a new regulatory councilwith a majority of members elected by the minister of communications, would have a series of powers over the broadcasting media, such as the ability to impose strong fines. It would de facto allow the political content oversight of emissions.
“Seize the free press”
In his Knesset speech, Karhi accused the media of spread propaganda and even to be responsible for the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. This legislative project has set off alarm bells again. “Wrapped in sugar-coated words and empty slogansKarhi’s plan to take over the free press is underway,” denounced the Israeli Channels Forumwhich represents the three main Israeli networks, in an “emergency statement.” The legislation would “give the government political control” over news content and broadcasts, and allow it to “impose sanctions and fines for discourage criticism or cause the closure of investigative media.
Prior to its second and third reading in the Knesset, the bill will go to the Economy Committeechaired by the Likud deputy, David Bitan. Bitan has already blocked Karhi’s previous attempts, such as his bill to shut down the public broadcaster Kan. In turn, the attorney general, Gali Baharav-Miarahas opposed the initiative, warning that it presents “a real concern serious damage to freedom of expression and freedom of the press.” For this reason, the legal advisor of the Knesset, Sagit Afikwarned before her vote that she did not have the legally required approval from the attorney general. Baharav-Miara has become the declared public enemy by the most radical members of the coalition, including Netanyahu.
Split the position of attorney general
A week before the approval of the media law without his approval, the plenary session of the Knesset authorized another controversial legislative project that seeks to divide the position of Israel’s attorney general into three different positions. Legal experts have warned that this new legislative proposal would grant a unprecedented power to the Government on his main legal adversary, since they would be the prime minister and the attorney general who would appoint these three new positions. Baharav-Miara presented a legal opinion to the Executive a few months ago, calling this law an attempt to “weaken safeguards that support the rule of law.” During this week, parliamentarians have also promoted another controversial legislative project that grants greater discretion to the police in the investigation of suspected cases of incitement, while reducing state prosecutors’ oversight over investigations of such cases.
Two weeks ago, the Knesset voted to give preliminary approval to a bill to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bankthe equivalent of the annexation of Palestinian territory, which would constitute a flagrant violation of international law. Despite the opposition of Netanyahu, the American president, Donald Trump, threatened Israel with losing “all” its support if it annexes the West Bank. All these changes are proof of how the Israeli Parliament is beginning to be inundated with electoral politics. These first actions can culminate in legislation that attacks the legal system, resuming the controversy judicial reformand allowing the current Executive to expose as many facts as possible, or simply in political provocations and grandiose but empty promises. “Furthermore, Israeli polarization is too deep for the various spectacles in the Knesset to cause any kind of unit“concludes Dr. Talshir.
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