Sweeping media reforms pushed through by Israel’s right-wing coalition before the parliament’s dissolution have drawn sharp criticism from media freedom organizations and opposition lawmakers, who warn of increased risks to press freedom and election integrity.

The parliament, known as the Knesset, approved the bill on July 17, granting the government potentially greater influence over Israel’s news and broadcast sectors. The legislation removes traditional oversight safeguards, eliminates requirements for minimum journalism standards, and lifts longstanding limits on cross-ownership of media outlets.

Following the vote, watchdog groups, including the Union of Journalists in Israel, and opposition parties petitioned the High Court of Justice to freeze parts of the legislation. They expressed concern that provisions allowing immediate effect, such as the removal of ownership limits and newsroom standards, could significantly alter the media landscape before the upcoming elections, possibly influencing their outcome.

The High Court has given the government until Sunday to respond, after which it will determine whether to maintain the freeze, expand it, or allow the contested provisions to be implemented. Some less controversial sections of the law remain in effect.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not vote on the measure, as he is currently bound by a 2020 conflict-of-interest agreement. This agreement prohibits him from participating in government decisions that could impact his ongoing corruption trial, where he faces charges including allegations of improperly influencing media coverage of his administration.

Despite Netanyahu’s recusal, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi publicly thanked the Prime Minister, stating that the mission to enact right-wing media reform had been successfully completed. Israeli media reports suggest that such involvement by Netanyahu could potentially violate his conflict-of-interest agreement. Neither the Prime Minister’s Office nor the Communications Ministry provided comment to Al Jazeera regarding whether Netanyahu's role constituted a conflict of interest.

Critics argue that the reforms weaken independent journalism and could pave the way for increased government control over the information citizens receive. The potential for cross-ownership could lead to fewer independent voices in the media landscape. The timing of the reforms, shortly before elections, has also raised concerns about their impact on fair electoral processes.

Supporters of the reforms, including Minister Karhi, have framed them as necessary steps to modernize media regulations and reduce what they describe as bureaucratic obstacles. However, the broad consensus among media watchdogs and opposition figures is that these changes represent a significant step backward for press freedom in Israel.