Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will abide by any decision made by the High Court of Justice, according to Israeli Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, who dismissed claims that the government is attempting to provoke a constitutional crisis. Zohar’s comments followed the cabinet’s approval of a resolution that refuses to recognize decisions made by the Council of the Second Authority, despite a High Court ruling allowing the broadcasting regulator to function without the required quorum.
The government contends that the High Court’s ruling contradicts existing law, asserting that all state institutions, including the judiciary, must adhere to legal boundaries. According to Zohar, the resolution aims to avert a constitutional crisis rather than instigate one. This stance has sparked significant criticism from opposition figures and legal experts, with President Isaac Herzog cautioning that defying High Court rulings would breach a “red line.”
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett expressed concerns that disregarding judicial decisions could lead to constitutional disorder and threaten democratic governance. The controversy revolves around the authority’s role in approving a proposed acquisition of Channel 13, with opponents accusing the government of seeking to exert political influence over media regulation through control of the broadcasting council.
While Zohar maintains that the resolution is a preventive measure, critics argue that it undermines the judiciary’s authority and could destabilize the country’s democratic institutions. The debate highlights a broader struggle over the balance of power between Israel’s government and its judicial system, with significant implications for the country’s political landscape.