Israeli Communications Minister Urges Government to Defy Supreme Court and Shut Down Army Radio

Israeli Communications Minister Dr. Shlomo Karhi has publicly criticized the Supreme Court (Bagatz) for overstepping its authority and interfering with the powers of the government and Knesset. He called on the government to immediately instruct the Defense Minister to implement the decision to shut down Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), despite the court's opposition. Karhi emphasized that no authority is above the people and their elected representatives.

Karhi also questioned why the Knesset Speaker has not responded to a request from 25 Knesset members to hold a discussion affirming that Knesset laws remain valid despite Supreme Court rulings. He warned that if the government and Knesset fail to defend their dignity and that of the public against what he termed "judicial bullying," the public may become disillusioned with the democratic process.

His remarks come shortly after the Supreme Court invalidated the government's decision to close Galei Tzahal, a move that has sparked significant political controversy amid ongoing judicial reform debates in Israel. Karhi concluded by stating that the responsibility to act lies with the government and lawmakers themselves.