Israeli Government Rejects Supreme Court Ruling on Second Authority for Television and Radio

The Israeli government unanimously approved a dramatic resolution on Sunday, led by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, declaring it will not recognize any decisions, appointments, or actions by the Second Authority for Television and Radio council unless it meets the explicit legal requirements. This unprecedented move directly challenges a June Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the council appointed by the previous government, despite its membership falling below the statutory minimum.

The government emphasized that the rule of law applies to all branches of government, including the judiciary, and stated that a court ruling contradicting the clear language of the law cannot grant the Second Authority powers not originally provided by legislation. Therefore, the state will refuse to acknowledge any actions taken under this court decision.

Additionally, the government warned communication industry stakeholders that it will not accept any claims of reliance or established practice based on decisions made by the current council, which does not meet the legal threshold. Minister Karhi sharply criticized the judicial conduct, asserting that Supreme Court judges are not the legislature and cannot override explicit legal conditions, calling the court's ruling an overreach that undermines the rule of law.

Justice Minister Levin supported this stance, underscoring that the law binds everyone, including the courts, and that a ruling in direct conflict with statutory language violates the principle of separation of powers. He pledged that the government will continue to use all legal means to restore proper adherence to the law as the sole source of governmental authority.