Israeli Attorney General Condemns Government Defiance of Supreme Court Ruling Amid Likud Threats

Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara sharply criticized the government's decision to defy a Supreme Court ruling regarding the Second Authority Council. In an official statement released on July 5, 2026, Baharav-Miara described the government's move as "another serious attempt to intimidate those who seek to uphold judicial decisions," warning that it undermines fundamental principles of the rule of law in a democratic state.

The statement came after a series of political reactions, including strong condemnation from opposition parties and President Isaac Herzog. Herzog posted on social media that declarations of non-compliance with Supreme Court rulings "strike at the core of national unity" and reiterated that disobeying court decisions is a "red line that must never be crossed." Earlier that evening, Herzog had met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a Herzl memorial ceremony, shortly before posting his remarks.

Within the coalition, responses were mixed. Government Secretary Yossi Fox clarified that the government's declaration did not call for disobedience but rather expressed harsh criticism of a court ruling deemed inconsistent with explicit law. Fox emphasized the government's intention to use all legal tools available to overturn the decision in the future. Conversely, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi openly criticized the Supreme Court, stating, "We obey the law, not unlawful decisions of the Supreme Court."

The government had announced it would not recognize any decisions, appointments, or actions by the Second Authority Council, citing the court ruling as contradictory to statutory law. This stance was supported by Karhi and Justice Minister Yariv Levin.

Opposition leaders condemned the government's defiance, warning of threats to the rule of law and democracy. Gadi Eizenkot, head of the Yisrael party, accused the government of undermining Israeli democracy and dividing the nation, asserting that citizens deserve a unifying government rather than one that fosters division.

Meanwhile, senior Likud officials responded to the Attorney General's statement with threats, declaring, "For us, this is just the beginning," signaling potential further confrontations over judicial authority and government compliance.

Summary: Israel's Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara condemned the government's refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on the Second Authority Council, calling it an intimidation attempt undermining the rule of law. President Herzog and opposition parties also criticized the move, while coalition members offered mixed responses. Likud officials warned this conflict is only starting.

Points: - Attorney General Baharav-Miara denounces government defiance of Supreme Court ruling as undermining democracy. - President Herzog warns that disobeying court rulings threatens national unity and is a red line. - Government Secretary Fox denies call for disobedience, citing legal challenges to the ruling. - Communications Minister Karhi openly rejects Supreme Court decisions deemed unlawful. - Government refuses to recognize Second Authority Council actions, citing legal contradictions. - Opposition accuses government of threatening democracy and dividing the nation. - Likud officials threaten escalation, calling current conflict "just the beginning."

Topic: politics

Entities: {"people":["Gali Baharav-Miara","Benjamin Netanyahu","Isaac Herzog","Yossi Fox","Shlomo Karhi","Yariv Levin","Gadi Eizenkot"],"organizations":["Likud","Supreme Court of Israel","Second Authority Council","Yisrael party"],"places":["Israel"]}