The government delivered an official notification to the High Court of Justice this evening stating that it will not recognize any decision made by the Second Authority for Television and Radio council, following the High Court's ruling that upheld the previous government's appointments to the council. The Journalists Association condemned the move as a transparent bid to scuttle the Network 13 'hi-techists deal.'
The government's formal notification to the High Court of Justice this afternoon, delivered at 15:01 Jerusalem, directly states that the government will not recognize any decision made by the Second Authority for Television and Radio council — effectively treating the court-validated council as illegitimate. The Journalists Association condemned the move as "a transparent attempt to scuttle the high-techists deal at Network 13," framing the government's defiance around the shareholder agreement.
The standoff erupted earlier Sunday when the cabinet voted unanimously to defy the High Court's ruling on the Second Authority. Initial reports at 13:32 Jerusalem from Amit Segal (N12) said the government was urging non-compliance, but by 13:58, The Zioneer reported a unanimous decision to directly disregard the court's reinstatement of the council. The government's own declaration at 13:32 stated it would not recognize any council decisions until it meets statutory membership thresholds. The formal notification to the court at 15:01 solidified the defiance.
Opposition figures, including MK Gadi Eisenkot (National Unity), condemned the move as "raising a hand against democracy," as The Zioneer reported at 17:01 Jerusalem. The Hi-Tech Forum warned at 16:30 that the government's defiance threatens Israel's economy and international standing. This marks the first time an Israeli cabinet has formally declared opposition to a High Court ruling, according to political sources.
The Attorney General's position on the legality of the government's notification remains unclear, and the High Court has not yet issued a response. The Journalists Association's specific claim about the Network 13 deal has not been independently verified. The government's next steps, and the court's potential response, remain open.
7 developments
- DevelopingBennett condemns government's defiance of High Court on Second Authority
- DevelopingIsraeli government tells High Court it will not recognize rulings that contradict the law
- DevelopingCommentator defends government's defiance of High Court, says court is not above the law
- StrongHi-tech forum warns government defiance of High Court threatens economy
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