High Court freezes key parts of government’s controversial media overhaul law

The High Court of Justice has frozen key parts of a new media overhaul law, citing concerns about its impact on media neutrality and potential for "irreversible damage to the media market." The court issued a temporary order on Sunday, specifically targeting clauses that would immediately expand government control over broadcast media and alter ownership regulations. Justice Ofer Grosskopf described the claims against the law's procedural flaws and substance as "weighty." Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, who authored the legislation, called for the government to defy the court order, stating the court "has no authority to suspend or strike down laws." The freeze will remain in effect until the court decides on further interim orders, with the government given one week to respond.