Israeli Government Refuses to Comply with Supreme Court Ruling on Second Authority Council

The Israeli government has declared it will not comply with a Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the outgoing Second Authority Council, led by Mordechai Mordechai, allowing it to operate and make decisions. This council had been suspended, and the ruling was related to its authority to approve business transactions, including the acquisition of Channel 13 by Asaf Rapoport. The ministers’ statement effectively rejects the court’s authority to reinstate the council, raising concerns about a deterrent effect aimed at discouraging business actors involved in pending approvals.

Professor Yaniv Rosenzweig, deputy dean at the Harry Radzyner Law School and co-director of the Rubinstein Center for Constitutional Challenges at Reichman University, described the government’s stance as an unprecedented constitutional crisis. He warned that the government is signaling it will choose whether to recognize and obey Supreme Court rulings, potentially undermining the rule of law and leading to "complete anarchy" and governance in violation of legal norms. Rosenzweig also noted procedural irregularities, including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s involvement despite a conflict of interest agreement restricting his engagement in communications matters.

The Supreme Court decision came after allegations of external interference by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi in the forced resignations of council members, which were seen as attempts to block the Channel 13 acquisition. The government’s refusal to recognize the court ruling and the council’s actions has sparked political uproar. Opposition leaders, including Yair Lapid and Gadi Eisenkot, condemned the move as an assault on Israeli democracy and the rule of law, warning it could lead to governmental illegitimacy and street anarchy.

The government justified its decision by arguing that the court ruling contradicted the clear wording of the law regarding the council’s quorum and authority. Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Minister Karhi stated that the government will not recognize actions taken by the reinstated council. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary in Israel, with significant implications for governance, legal stability, and political agendas.

Summary: The Israeli government has refused to comply with a Supreme Court ruling reinstating the outgoing Second Authority Council, rejecting the court’s authority and sparking a constitutional crisis. This move, linked to disputes over media regulation and business approvals, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders who warn it threatens democracy and the rule of law.