Clash Erupts Between Likud Leaders Over Supreme Court Ruling and Party Primaries

A sharp public dispute unfolded on August 20, 2026, between two senior Likud figures, Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, following the Supreme Court's unanimous decision to overturn the government's move to shut down IDF Radio (Galei Tzahal). Karhi criticized the court for overstepping its authority and called on Defense Minister Israel Katz to immediately implement the closure. He also attacked Ohana for not responding to a request by 25 Knesset members to discuss the ruling in parliament, accusing him of failing to uphold the legislature's authority against what he termed "judicial bullying." Karhi warned that if the government and Knesset do not firmly defend their dignity, public disillusionment with democracy will grow.

Ohana responded sharply on social media, accusing Karhi of airing grievances publicly instead of privately and dismissing his claims as legally flawed. He explained that during the Knesset recess, a motion to discuss the issue requires signatures from 25 MKs and cannot be submitted by ministers, noting Karhi's motion was invalid. Ohana also criticized Karhi for focusing on internal party conflicts during the recent Likud primaries, urging unity ahead of the general elections. He emphasized his own longstanding commitment to judicial reform and vowed to continue efforts to strengthen the party's position.

Karhi replied by highlighting Ohana's silence for three weeks after receiving the request for a discussion and accused him of weakening the Knesset's standing relative to the judiciary. He criticized Ohana for supporting the extension of the Knesset legal advisor's term despite warnings it would undermine elected officials' authority. Karhi also accused Ohana of opposing right-wing media reforms and failing to protect the Knesset's honor, contrasting their approaches to the judicial system and party leadership.

This confrontation reflects deep tensions within Likud following the August 2026 primaries, where Ohana placed second and Karhi 13th. Both leaders are now calling for party cohesion ahead of the upcoming general elections, but their public feud highlights ongoing disputes over judicial authority and internal party strategy.