Israeli Government Refuses to Comply with Supreme Court Ruling on Broadcasting Authority

The Israeli government has declared it will not comply with a Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the outgoing Second Authority for Television and Radio council, headed by Mordechai Mordechai, allowing it to continue functioning despite the freezing of the incoming council led by Yifat Ben Hai Segev and Kineret Brachi. This decision, announced on July 5, 2026, effectively rejects the court's authority and raises concerns about a deterrent effect aimed at discouraging business entities involved in media transactions pending council approval, such as the acquisition of Channel 13 by Asaf Rapoport.

Professor Yaniv Rosenzai, 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, undermining the rule of law and potentially leading to anarchy and governance in violation of legal norms. Rosenzai also noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's involvement in this matter breaches a conflict of interest agreement that requires prior legal counsel approval.

The Supreme Court ruling came after allegations of external interference by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi in the forced resignations of council members, which were seen as attempts to sabotage the approval of Channel 13's acquisition. The court allowed the outgoing council to continue deliberations on this and other matters, despite its membership falling below the legal minimum. The government, however, rejected the ruling, stating that the court's decision contradicts the clear language of the law and that it will not recognize any actions or appointments made by the council under these circumstances.

This refusal has sparked political uproar, with opposition leaders warning that the government's stance threatens Israeli democracy and the rule of law. Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yisrael party, called it an attack on democracy, while opposition leader Yair Lapid labeled the government illegal. Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yachdav party, warned that defying court rulings leads to street anarchy. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the government over constitutional authority and political agendas.

The immediate impact includes uncertainty over regulatory approvals in the media sector and a broader constitutional crisis, as the government openly challenges the judiciary's role. The situation remains fluid, with potential legal and political ramifications as the government continues to assert its position against the Supreme Court's directives.