Israeli Ministers Reject Supreme Court Ruling on Second Authority Council Composition

Following the Supreme Court ruling on June 17, 2026, regarding the composition of the Second Authority Council, Israeli ministers Shlomo Karhi and Yariv Levin announced the government would not comply with the court's decision. They declared that the government would not recognize any decisions, approvals, appointments, or actions taken by the council unless it meets the explicit legal requirements. The ruling reinstated the council from the previous government despite its membership falling below the statutory minimum.

A senior government official criticized Karhi and Levin's stance, stating their decision holds no practical significance. The official compared it to Levin's earlier refusal to recognize Supreme Court President Isaac Amit, noting that in practice, the committee proceeded to convene and select him. The official accused the ministers of seeking headlines rather than effecting real change.

Karhi and Levin emphasized that the government would reject any reliance claims or "acquiescence" by media market players regarding actions taken by a council not meeting the legal threshold. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the government and the judiciary, with references to a "regime change" and calls for a return to "common sense" in legal rulings.