Story perspectives

Israeli Cabinet Rejects Court Ruling, Freezes Regulator Amid Political Turmoil

7/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel’s cabinet voted unanimously to refuse recognition of the High Court’s ruling on the Second Authority Council, arguing the body lacks the statutory membership required by law.
Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of dividing the nation and undermining Israeli democracy.
Justice Alex Stein issued a temporary order freezing the council’s activity while petitions challenge Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s plan to reshape the regulator.

History

Historical Context

The Second Authority for Television and Radio was created after a 1990 Knesset law to end the Israel Broadcasting Authority’s monopoly, launching commercial Channel 2 in November 1993 with three concessionaires. Its fifteen-member council has repeatedly faced legal challenges; Justice Alex Stein’s recent freeze revives the same executive-judicial clash now involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot.

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Story summary

Israel’s cabinet voted unanimously to refuse recognition of the High Court’s ruling on the Second Authority Council, arguing the body lacks the statutory membership required by law.
Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of dividing the nation and undermining Israeli democracy.
Justice Alex Stein issued a temporary order freezing the council’s activity while petitions challenge Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi’s plan to reshape the regulator.

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