Knesset Endorses Government Decision to Ban Commercial Tv for Time Being

The Knesset last night endorsed a government decision not to permit commercial television in Israel for the time being. All coalition parties except the Independent Liberals, voted for the ban but rejected attempts to make it permanent. The main government objection to advertising on Israel’s nationally-owned television service is that it would stimulate private consumption at a time when the government is trying to hold the line against inflation. The coalition was supported by the opposition Gahal faction. The latter made it clear however that it was going along with the ban “only for the time being and in given circumstances.” The Agudat Israel and Poalei Agudat Israel also voted with the government and tried unsuccessfully to have the ban made permanent. The Knesset rejected a motion by the Free Centre faction favoring commercial television and the establishment of private tv outlets. Yigal Allon, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, said he would seek an additional budgetary allocation to establish a second television channel to be devoted exclusively to education, culture and art. Allon was one of the few members of the government known to have favored advertising on tv when the matter was before the Cabinet a week ago.