Israeli Government Defies Supreme Court Ruling on Second Authority Council Amid Constitutional Crisis

The controversy continues over the Israeli government's refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling regarding the Second Authority for Television and Radio. On June 17, the court ordered the reinstatement of the council's activity despite its membership falling below the legal minimum. The government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, unanimously approved a declaration rejecting any decisions or appointments made by the council that do not meet statutory requirements.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin warned activists that this move is only the beginning, predicting a constitutional crisis over judicial appointments in the next Knesset session. Netanyahu reportedly gave a green light to the declaration but avoided the vote to prevent conflict of interest claims. A senior official stated, "It is time to create a crisis with the Supreme Court."

The government’s stance has drawn sharp criticism from various legal and political figures. President Isaac Herzog condemned the defiance as a "red line that must not be crossed." Deputy Attorney General Dr. Gil Limon called it an attempt to normalize systematic lawbreaking. The Israel Bar Association head, Amit Bechar, described it as a total destruction of the rule of law and democracy, emphasizing that a government that disobeys court rulings betrays the nation. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned that ignoring court rulings leads to anarchy and state disintegration.

The decision follows revelations that Netanyahu participated in a meeting supporting the appointment of Yifat Ben-Hai Segev to head the council, despite her role as a witness in his ongoing trial. The Supreme Court criticized the suspicious timing and circumstances of council members’ resignations, suggesting attempts to undermine judicial decisions.

Legal experts expect Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara to side with petitioners who view the government's decision as contempt of court. The Movement for Quality Government announced plans to petition the court to impose sanctions on responsible ministers, including fines and possible detention, until compliance is achieved. The government insists that only the law, not court rulings that contradict it, can confer authority, framing the conflict as a defense of legislative supremacy and separation of powers.