Israeli Government Defies Supreme Court Ruling on Broadcasting Authority Appointments

The Israeli government has sparked a major political and legal controversy by deciding not to comply with a Supreme Court injunction concerning the Second Authority for Television and Radio. On June 17, the court ordered the reinstatement of the authority's operations despite its membership falling below the legal minimum. The government, however, unanimously approved a proposal by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Justice Minister Yariv Levin to reject any decisions or appointments made by the authority that do not meet statutory requirements.

Deputy Attorney General Dr. Gil Limon sharply criticized the government’s move, calling it an attempt to normalize systematic violations of the law. He highlighted that the government’s decision explicitly ignores a Supreme Court interim order and aims to disregard judicial rulings altogether. The Israel Bar Association head, Amit Bechar, condemned the decision as a complete breakdown of the rule of law and democracy, warning that a government not bound by law betrays its role and the public.

Former Prime Minister and "Beyachad" leader Naftali Bennett warned on social media that defying court rulings leads to anarchy and state disintegration. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party, accused the government of undermining Israeli democracy and fostering division. Communications Minister Karhi stated that Supreme Court judges are not the legislature and that two-thirds membership is a legal requirement, not a recommendation. Justice Minister Levin emphasized that the law binds everyone, including the courts, and that judicial rulings contradicting clear statutory language harm the separation of powers.

The controversy follows revelations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in a meeting supporting the appointment of Yifat Ben-Hai Segev to head the Second Authority, despite her role as a prosecution witness in his trial. The Supreme Court expressed serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding the resignation of several council members, suggesting attempts to obstruct judicial review. The court’s interim order freezes government decisions on appointments until a final ruling is issued.

Journalists’ organizations and the Movement for Quality Government condemned the government’s refusal to obey the court, calling it an unprecedented assault on the judiciary and rule of law. The Movement announced plans to petition the Supreme Court to impose sanctions on responsible ministers, including fines and possible detention, until full compliance is achieved. The legal and political battle over the authority’s composition and the government’s respect for judicial authority continues to escalate, posing significant challenges to Israel’s democratic institutions.