Government formally tells High Court it will not abide by any ruling on Second Authority

The Israeli cabinet approved a proposal by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Justice Minister Yariv Levin on Sunday, marking a significant escalation in the institutional confrontation between the executive and judicial branches. The government informed the High Court of Justice (HCJ) that it will not recognize any "decision, approval, appointment, or action" performed by the Second Authority council as long as it does not meet the explicit threshold requirements set by law.

Legal and Political Context

This development stems from an HCJ ruling on June 17, 2026, which reinstated the previous government's council despite its membership falling below the legal minimum. Minister Karhi argued that "judicial overreach does not grant authority to erase explicit legal thresholds," asserting that the council's decisions are now legally void. Justice Minister Levin added that the government has a duty to ensure that the law remains the sole source of authority, characterizing the court's intervention as a violation of the separation of powers.

Analysis of the Impact

The Journalists Association has sharply condemned the government's declaration, describing it as a "transparent attempt" to sabotage the pending "hi-techists deal" at Network 13. By refusing to recognize the council's authority, the government effectively freezes regulatory approvals necessary for major shifts in the media market. The government has further stated that no claims of "reliance" or "fait accompli" by media market entities will be accepted regarding actions taken based on the council's decisions.

Outlook

This formal defiance of a High Court ruling signals a transition from legislative debate to direct executive non-compliance. While the government maintains it is acting to restore the rule of law, critics and professional bodies view the move as a direct threat to the independence of the media and the judiciary. The legal community is now watching for potential petitions against this cabinet decision, which could further deepen the constitutional crisis.