World
Israel: Knesset passes controversial media law ahead of elections
Israel's Knesset, the country's unicameral parliament, passed on July 16, 2026 a controversial media law. The legislation establishes a new media regulation authority in which the government will have significantly greater influence over appointments. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi presents the law as a liberalization of the regulated sector. Opponents fear it will allow the government to exert increased pressure on independent media outlets, particularly opposition-aligned channels. Legal challenges have already been filed. The law forms part of emergency measures adopted by Benjamin Netanyahu's government ahead of snap elections scheduled for October 27.