Tens of Thousands of phone numbers belonging to kosher phones have been blocked by cellular companies, Army Radio reported on Monday.
This reportedly affected about half a million haredim, along with the IDF Disabled and Victims of Hostilities Organization, the psychiatric hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, the Child Welfare Council, the military courts, and the military prosecutor's office, along with many other hotlines.
Rami Levy Communications vehemently rejected any involvement in the matter.
"The company does not initiate or order the blocking of any numbers, including service numbers, public hotlines, or private lines," the company stated.
"The authority to determine the blocking of lines known as 'Kosher Lines' is vested in the Rabbinical Committee for Communications Affairs, which operates as an independent entity separate from the company."
"In accordance with the agreements signed by subscribers to the kosher lines, the committee may determine which numbers will be blocked for calls within the framework of the kosher lines. It does so at its discretion," the company told Army Radio.
Phone firm denies role in kosher line blocks
The company went on to emphasize that it complies with all applicable laws and regulations. They claimed that they regularly publish the list of Kosher line numbers that are blocked as defined by the Rabbinical Committee.
The company concluded by categorically rejecting any claims of damages caused to companies or individuals, calling them unfounded.
"We emphasize that the company does not determine the scope of the blockings, does not initiate them, and does not derive any benefit from them," the company concluded.
Army Radio reached out to many other phone providers, but received no response.