The Israeli government on Sunday approved a proposal by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin, declaring it will not recognize any decision, appointment, or action of the Second Authority for Television and Radio Council as long as it does not meet the statutory minimum membership threshold, according to Ynet. The decision directly challenges a High Court ruling that reinstated the council despite its membership falling below the legal minimum.
On Sunday, the government formally approved the Karhi-Levin proposal, declaring it will not recognize any decision, appointment, or action of the Second Authority for Television and Radio Council unless it meets the statutory minimum membership threshold. The decision directly challenges a High Court of Justice ruling from June 17 that reinstated the council despite its membership falling below the legal minimum. The government's position, first reported by The Zioneer at 13:32 Jerusalem, rapidly escalated from an initial declaration to use all legal tools to annul the ruling to a unanimous non-recognition statement, with Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin accusing the judiciary of overstepping its authority.
The Zioneer's coverage, all published at 13:32 Jerusalem, unfolded in four versions: the first reported that the government approved a declaration to use all legal means to annul the High Court decision, noting Prime Minister Netanyahu did not attend the meeting. A second update described the proposal as the first formal government declaration opposing a High Court ruling. A third version stated the government unanimously declared it would not recognize the council's decisions. The final version included ministers' statements accusing the judiciary of overstepping, framing the move as a direct defiance of the court. The rapid succession of updates reflects the government's hardening stance within the same hour.
The confrontation stems from the High Court's June 17 ruling, which allowed the outgoing council to convene and make decisions without members who resigned, in a blow to Karhi. Earlier, on June 14, a resigned council member claimed an adviser to Karhi pressured her, as The Zioneer reported. The government's current move escalates a long-running dispute over the regulation of commercial broadcasting, pitting the executive against the judiciary.
It remains unclear how the government intends to enforce its non-recognition policy, given the High Court's ruling remains in effect. The practical implications for broadcasters and the council's ongoing operations—including whether the council will continue to convene and issue decisions—are not yet specified. No immediate response from the High Court or the council has been reported.
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