Israeli Government Unanimously Rejects Supreme Court Ruling on Second Authority for Television

On July 5, 2026, the Israeli government unanimously approved a proposal by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin to refuse recognition of a recent Supreme Court ruling concerning the Second Authority for Television and Radio. The court ruling from June 17, 2026, reinstated the council of the Second Authority despite its membership falling below the legally required minimum.

The government declared it will not acknowledge any decisions, appointments, or actions taken by the Second Authority’s council unless it meets the explicit legal threshold set by law. Karhi and Levin emphasized that the rule of law applies to all branches of government, including the judiciary, and that court decisions contradicting clear statutory language cannot confer unauthorized powers.

Minister Karhi stated that the Supreme Court judges are not the Knesset and cannot override explicit legal requirements, calling the court’s ruling an overreach that undermines the rule of law. Levin added that the government must uphold the principle of separation of powers and ensure that only the law grants governmental authority. The government pledged to continue using all legal means to restore proper rule of law adherence.

This decision marks a constitutional confrontation between the executive branch and the judiciary over the authority and composition of the Second Authority council, highlighting tensions over judicial activism and legislative supremacy in Israel.