Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Cabinet has decided to defy Israel's Supreme Court for the first time, marking a significant moment in the country's constitutional crisis. This decision follows a dispute regarding the authority of Israel's Second Authority for Television and Radio, similar to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.
The Supreme Court had previously ruled that the council could continue to operate despite resignations that left it without the required quorum. The government, led by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Justice Minister Yariv Levin, stated it would not recognize the council's decisions until a quorum was restored, arguing that the judiciary was overstepping its authority.
Karhi emphasized that the rule of law should not be interpreted by judges in a way that contradicts the explicit text of laws passed by the legislature. The opposition has expressed strong disapproval, with former military and political leaders warning that this move could destabilize democracy in Israel. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and opposition leader Yair Lapid have both criticized the decision, suggesting it undermines the legitimacy of the government.
The decision comes as the council is considering the approval of the resale of a major commercial TV network, which critics believe could influence public opinion ahead of upcoming elections. The judiciary's authority has been a contentious issue, previously leading to widespread protests before the recent conflict with Hamas.