Israeli Government Defies Supreme Court to Block Sale of Channel 13 to Tech Group

The Second Authority for Television and Radio, typically a low-profile regulator, has become central to Israel's largest constitutional crisis after the government chose to ignore a Supreme Court ruling reinstating the Authority's council. The government declared it would not recognize any decisions made by the reinstated council, aiming primarily to block the sale of Channel 13 to a tech-led group, thereby complicating the future of independent media in Israel.

The sale of Channel 13 has been under discussion for some time, with two main buyer groups emerging: one led by media mogul Patrick Drahi, owner of i24 and a Netanyahu ally, and another led by Waze founder Assaf Rappaport and other tech figures supporting free media and a liberal state. Despite cross-ownership restrictions making Drahi's purchase problematic, the channel's owner, Len Blavatnik, initially leaned toward selling to Drahi, expecting faster regulatory approval. However, regulatory hurdles stalled Drahi's deal, and by March, the sale to the tech group was agreed upon.

In response, the government swiftly appointed a new council to the Second Authority, including chair Dr. Yifat Ben-Hai Segev and members known for their Netanyahu support, raising concerns about political interference. Legal petitions challenged these appointments, and the Supreme Court temporarily barred the new council from convening, reinstating the previous council to avoid a regulatory vacuum. However, a wave of resignations from the old council, allegedly pressured by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi's office, led to its effective paralysis.

In mid-June, the Supreme Court issued an interim order freezing the new council and reinstating the old one until the petitions are resolved, recognizing the government's attempt to paralyze the council to prevent approval of the Channel 13 sale. The government has openly refused to comply with the court's ruling, seeking to maintain the status quo and block the sale to the pro-democracy tech group.

The government aims either to have the court reject the petitions against the new council, allowing a politically appointed body to decide on the sale, or to finalize legislation establishing a new broadcasting regulator under the communications minister's control. This new law, already passed, removes cross-ownership restrictions, potentially clearing the way for Drahi's acquisition of Channel 13.

This constitutional standoff highlights the government's efforts to influence media ownership and regulatory frameworks, raising significant concerns about media independence and democratic processes in Israel.