Disney and Bezeq abandon streaming exclusivity deal in Israel

Less than a month after launching in Israel, Disney has cancelled an exclusive distribution deal with Bezeq-owned satellite TV unit YES. 

The pair announced a tie-up earlier this year which would see YES act as the streamer’s exclusive distributor in the country. The company had reportedly agreed to pay NIS150 million (€41 million) over the course of three years.

However, Israel’s Competition Authority confirmed on June 28 that it had closed a case against Disney and YES after the pair agreed to cancel the exclusive deal. They had previously applied for permission from the competition authority, but the companies withdrew their request for exclusivity on June 27.

Disney will now have the ability to agree distribution deals with cable operator HOT and other internet-based TV operators. 

In a statement, the authority confirmed: “Disney has made it clear to the Commissioner that it is free to negotiate and enter into any agreement regarding the distribution of Disney+ broadcasts with competitors of YES.”