Supreme Court Orders Communications Minister to Appoint Public Broadcasting Council Members

Israel's Supreme Court unanimously ordered Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi on Thursday to appoint four candidates to the Public Broadcasting Corporation's council, adopting the recommendations of an appointment committee. The ruling, delivered by President Yitzhak Amit and Justices Ofer Grosskopf and Gila Kenfy-Stein, addressed petitions filed after the council was left without the necessary quorum to make decisions due to expiring terms.

The central petition was submitted by the "Tzlal - for the Advancement of a Fair Society" organization. The court had previously issued a partial ruling on May 12, 2026, calling for the advancement of these four candidates. While an appointments committee approved their candidacies, Minister Karhi rejected the recommendations on June 8, 2026.

The judges found that the minister provided no valid reasons to deviate from the committee's suggestions, emphasizing that his discretion in such matters is limited. They stated that the appointment committee's role, the legal framework, and the importance of the corporation's independence justify adhering to the committee's findings. The court also dismissed the minister's claims of procedural flaws, confirming the candidates meet all eligibility requirements and possess the necessary qualifications and experience.

The court further rejected the argument that appointments should be delayed until all council members are identified, citing the Public Broadcasting Law's specific qualification criteria for each member. Delaying appointments, especially when it leads to the council's paralysis, is unacceptable. The minister was instructed to sign the appointment letters within a week, or the appointments will take effect by court order.

Additionally, the court temporarily extended the term of the corporation's CEO, which was set to end in November 2026. This extension, lasting up to 60 days after the council can convene and appoint a new CEO, is intended to prevent severe damage to the corporation's operations while the council is being fully formed.