In first, government vows to disobey High Court ruling, setting up constitutional crisis

Key Points:

• For the first time in Israel’s history, the government declared it will not comply with a High Court of Justice ruling that allowed the Council of the Second Authority to resume operations despite lacking a quorum, escalating tensions into a constitutional crisis.
• Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Justice Minister Yariv Levin stated the government will not recognize any council decisions until it meets legal quorum requirements, arguing the court ruling contradicts the 1990 law governing the council.
• The dispute centers on government attempts to block a buyout of Channel 13 by a group led by a government critic, with allegations that Karhi sought political control over the council to thwart the acquisition.
• Opposition leaders condemned the government’s refusal to respect the court ruling as a breach of the rule of law and a threat to Israeli democracy, warning it undermines legal compliance and governmental legitimacy.
• The controversy follows controversial council appointments linked to Prime Minister Netanyahu and coordinated resignations of council members under alleged government pressure, which the High Court deemed attempts to obstruct justice.