Government defies Supreme Court ruling on second television authority

The Israeli government has announced it will not recognise any decisions, appointments or actions made by the Second Authority for Television and Radio council unless the body meets minimum legal thresholds for membership. The decision was approved on Sunday, backed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, following a Supreme Court ruling that ordered the council to continue operating despite government claims that it lacks the required number of members mandated by law.

The government’s move represents a significant clash with Israel’s highest court. The Supreme Court had previously instructed the Second Authority’s council to proceed with its operations, but the government is now declaring it will not accept any outcomes from the body on the grounds that current membership falls below statutory minimums.

This confrontation reflects ongoing tensions between Israel’s government and judiciary, particularly regarding the composition and legitimacy of public institutions. The Second Authority for Television and Radio is responsible for regulating Israel’s commercial television and radio broadcasting, making its operational status a matter of public importance.

The government’s position effectively challenges the Supreme Court’s authority to determine how public institutions should function, suggesting the cabinet will only recognise actions taken by the council once membership numbers meet its preferred legal interpretation. The dispute highlights broader questions about institutional checks and balances within Israel’s governance system.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.