Israeli Government Secretary Clarifies No Call to Defy Supreme Court Ruling on Second Authority Council

Yossi Fox, the Israeli Government Secretary, clarified on Sunday evening that the government decision approved earlier regarding the Supreme Court ruling on the Second Authority Council does not call for disobedience to the court. Contrary to circulating reports, Fox emphasized that the government’s statement contains no directive to violate or ignore the court’s judgment but rather expresses strong criticism of a ruling the government believes contradicts explicit legal language. He stressed that the government intends to use all legal means available to change the situation in the future.

The government unanimously approved a proposal by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, declaring it will not recognize any decision, approval, appointment, or action by the Second Authority Council unless it meets the clear statutory thresholds. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s June 17, 2026 ruling, which reinstated the council from the previous government despite its membership falling below the legally required minimum.

The government’s resolution affirmed that the rule of law binds all authorities, including the judiciary, and that a ruling directly contradicting the law’s explicit terms cannot confer authority not granted by statute. Communications Minister Karhi stated, "Supreme Court judges are not the Knesset, and a power trip does not authorize erasing explicit legal thresholds." Justice Minister Levin added, "The rule of law means the law binds everyone, including the court," and reiterated the government’s commitment to continue acting through all legal channels to restore what it calls the proper rule of law.