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Access Industries Sells Channel 13 Amid Media Independence Concerns

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Access Industries, led by billionaire Len Blavatnik, agreed to sell Channel 13 to the Merit Foundation, led by Assaf Rappaport (Wiz co-founder).
The deal followed offer from telecom businessman Patrick Drahi that raised concerns about media independence in Israel.
The acquisition is expected to generate tax revenue for Israel amid ongoing security challenges.
Google completed its $32 billion acquisition of the cybersecurity firm Wiz, the largest deal in Israeli tech history.

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Story summary

Access Industries, led by billionaire Len Blavatnik, agreed to sell Channel 13 to the Merit Foundation, led by Assaf Rappaport (Wiz co-founder).
The deal followed offer from telecom businessman Patrick Drahi that raised concerns about media independence in Israel.
The acquisition is expected to generate tax revenue for Israel amid ongoing security challenges.
Google completed its $32 billion acquisition of the cybersecurity firm Wiz, the largest deal in Israeli tech history.