Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said Sunday evening that the government's decision to oppose the High Court's ruling on the Second Authority for Television and Radio is 'historic and unprecedented,' according to reports. The government earlier today formally notified the High Court it would not abide by any decision on the matter.
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi on Sunday evening called the government's decision to defy the High Court of Justice over the Second Authority for Television and Radio 'historic and unprecedented.' The statement came after the government earlier in the day formally notified the High Court that it would not abide by any ruling on the matter, marking the latest escalation in a series of steps that began with a cabinet declaration to use all legal tools to annul the court's decision.
The day's events unfolded rapidly. At 13:32 Jerusalem, the government first approved a declaration to annul the High Court's ruling, then unanimously voted to urge non-compliance, and later decided to directly defy the ruling. The formal notification to the court followed, with the Journalists Association condemning the move as a transparent bid to scuttle the Network 13 'hi-techists deal.'
The confrontation is part of a broader rift between the government and the judiciary. The Zioneer reported on June 17 that judges issued a rare public rebuke against Karhi and resigned council members, stating that 'a heavy suspicion arises of thwarting previous decisions.' On June 22, Karhi called for abolishing the High Court and establishing a justice system based on the people's will. Earlier today, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned that the defiance could lead to 'anarchy.'
It remains to be seen how the High Court will respond to the government's formal notification, which is unprecedented in its direct refusal to comply with a court ruling. The legal and political implications of the standoff are still unfolding.
8 developments
- DevelopingBennett condemns government's defiance of High Court on Second Authority
- DevelopingMinister Karhi rebukes President Herzog: 'Where was the red line when the High Court ruled?'
- StrongIsraeli judges sharply criticise Shlomo Karhi and resigned council members over bid to block prior decisions
- DevelopingMinister Karhi says High Court may nullify general election results if it disapproves
Source and signal
- Internal intake