Culture Minister Miki Zohar Rules Out Netanyahu Defying Supreme Court Ruling

Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar addressed the government's recent decision not to comply with a Supreme Court ruling concerning the Second Authority for Television and Radio. In a Monday interview on Kan Reshet Bet, Zohar stated that, based on his knowledge of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister will obey the court's decision and will not provoke a constitutional crisis. "In my opinion, a constitutional crisis is the start of a slippery slope," Zohar said.

The government announced on Sunday that it would not implement the Supreme Court's June 17 ruling, which reinstated the Second Authority's council from the previous government despite its membership falling below the legal minimum. The government declared it would not recognize any decisions, approvals, appointments, or actions taken by the Second Authority's council unless it meets the explicit legal requirements. This position was approved unanimously following proposals by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin.

This development follows the Supreme Court's directive to reactivate the council, which had been deemed invalid due to insufficient members. The government's refusal to comply signals ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the executive branch over regulatory authority. Meanwhile, political speculation continues, including reports of a former Knesset member meeting with Netanyahu, hinting at potential political maneuvers related to this issue.