Full Breakdown
Israeli Cabinet Defies Supreme Court Over Broadcast Regulator
7/6/2026, 12:55:44 AM
Government Defiance of the Supreme Court
On 5 July 2026 the cabinet voted unanimously to refuse recognition of decisions, appointments or actions of the Second Authority for Television and Radio until the council meets the statutory membership threshold. The resolution, drafted by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, overturns the 17 June Supreme Court order that the council continue operating despite lacking the required number of members.
Legal and Political Context
Israeli law requires a minimum number of members for the Second Authority to exercise regulatory powers. The government argues that a court cannot create authority that contradicts the wording of legislation, rendering actions by an under-staffed council “null and void.” The dispute follows the coalition’s confrontation with the judiciary that began with the 2022 judicial-reform agenda, was paused after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, and has since resurfaced.
Key Figures
- Shlomo Karhi, Communications Minister – co-author of the resolution.
- Yariv Levin, Justice Minister – co-author of the resolution.
- President Isaac Herzog – warned that ignoring a court ruling crosses a red line for national unity.
- Opposition leaders – Yair Lapid, Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Golan.
Timeline
- 17 June 2026 – Supreme Court orders the council to continue operating.
- 5 July 2026 – Cabinet votes unanimously to reject the court’s order.
- Sep-Oct 2026 – Expected timeframe for the next national elections.
Potential Consequences
The decision may stall the sale of Channel 13 to high-tech investors and affect Channel 14’s “small-channel” regulatory status. Critics warn it threatens the separation of powers and could trigger an unprecedented constitutional crisis.
Official Statements & Responses
The cabinet’s resolution states that “all branches are bound by the rule of law, but a court cannot create legal authority that contradicts legislation.” President Herzog warned that ignoring a court ruling crosses a red line for national unity. The Movement for Quality Government said a government refusing to obey the court “has lost its legitimacy to govern.”
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition leaders labeled the move criminal and destabilizing, while legal scholars warned that ignoring judicial rulings could lead to anarchy and the erosion of democratic foundations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs framed the action as “sharp criticism,” whereas opponents describe it as outright defiance. The exact number of council members and the precise statutory threshold remain undisclosed, leaving the legal basis of the government’s claim unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the government had turned criminal” — Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader
- “This is the most serious constitutional crisis in Israel’s history. It’s the destruction of the foundations of our democracy,” — Yair Lapid, Opposition Leader
- “I have already made it clear, and I will repeat it again and again — disobedience to a court ruling is a red line that must not be crossed under any circumstances,” — Isaac Herzog, President of Israel
- “Karhi criticised the court, saying judges are not parliament.” — Shlomo Karhi, Communications Minister
What’s Next
Legal challenges to the resolution are expected, and the issue will likely dominate the upcoming elections. The outcome will determine whether the Second Authority can resume full regulatory functions and how Israel’s constitutional balance will be reshaped.
