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Blavatnik Approves Drahi's Reshet 13 Bid Amid Layoff Fears

2/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Len Blavatnik selected Patrick Drahi's bid to buy Reshet 13, rejecting a competing offer from Israeli tech executives.
The deal is expected to close soon, may trigger layoffs at News 13 and i24NEWS, potentially halving their combined workforce, with regulators including the Second Authority for Television and Radio and the Israel Competition Authority raising hurdles.
Civil society groups plan to challenge the ownership change over competition and freedom of expression.

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Story summary

Len Blavatnik selected Patrick Drahi's bid to buy Reshet 13, rejecting a competing offer from Israeli tech executives.
The deal is expected to close soon, may trigger layoffs at News 13 and i24NEWS, potentially halving their combined workforce, with regulators including the Second Authority for Television and Radio and the Israel Competition Authority raising hurdles.
Civil society groups plan to challenge the ownership change over competition and freedom of expression.