Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is threatening to challenge a Supreme Court order regarding a media regulator, reigniting a judicial dispute that arose before Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. This decision comes as Israel prepares for national elections expected in late October.
The government stated that a June 17 ruling by the Supreme Court about the makeup of the Second Authority for Television and Radio represented judicial overreach. Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi declared that they would not follow this ruling. Levin had previously led efforts to reduce the Supreme Court’s powers, which caused widespread protests but was put on hold after the Hamas attack. Recently, parts of the judicial overhaul plan have been revived by Netanyahu’s nationalist-religious coalition.
While the government’s declaration may not have a direct effect on the media regulator, critics argue that it poses a larger risk by undermining the rule of law and democratic principles in Israel. They warn it could lead to chaos and a constitutional crisis by creating conflict between the executive and judicial branches. Former deputy attorney general Dina Zilber noted that this marks a significant instance of the government attempting to ignore a court order, which damages the separation of powers.
Analysts suggest that Netanyahu’s coalition aims to increase control over media markets, pointing to a broader agenda against public broadcasters. Israel is set to hold elections soon, with predictions indicating that Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition might lose. Opinion polls show that Netanyahu’s Likud party will hold primaries, and some ministers might focus on anti-judiciary stances to appeal to their voter base. Netanyahu has yet to comment on the declaration, while his Cabinet Secretary attempted to downplay the ministers’ remarks. Critics of the government argue it is attacking democracy to divert attention from security failures and ongoing conflicts. Prominent figures, including President Isaac Herzog and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, have condemned the government’s actions as undermining democracy and the rule of law.
With information from Reuters
