By July 2009, Channel 10 had cost its shareholders NIS 1.3 billion. It also owed about NIS 103 million more for content, license fees and royalties. The shareholders stated they would not pay the debt. Maiman announced that he and the other partners had no intention of paying any more of the channel's bills, and the channel announced that it was canceling planned productions. In August, the channel's directors undertook to invest NIS 19 million in television content, NIS 4 million more than their previous offer. They also agreed to invest more of the money for dramatic productions. Artist guild representatives said that they would petition the Israeli High Court of Justice if the agreement did not take them into account. In September, the SBA suspended its search for a new franchisee pending the approval of the Treasury and the Communications Ministry. The controversy over a profile of US American businessman Sheldon Adelson broadcast by Channel 10 risked the withdrawal of financing from Ronald Lauder, the last major funder left at that date. Until the end of 2011 the fate of the channel remained unknown. In mid January 2012, the channel was given another year to regulate its financial obligations. In December 2014, the channel was days away from closing down. On the night of 27/28 December 2014, the station ceased regular broadcasting, showing instead a picture of Benjamin Netanyahu and the message "In three days, Channel 10 will close. The prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who serves as the communications minister, refuses to find a solution." In January 2015, the station was allowed to function without a new permanent license for another six months, under the authority of the Attorney General. A permanent decision was postponed until after the Knesset elections scheduled for March 17 and the formation of a new government. A major reason quoted for the move was ensuring the expression of a wide range of political opinions on TV during the election campaign.