Israel Supreme Court Warns Government Against Defying Media Council Ruling

The Supreme Court of Israel and the High Court of Justice warned government ministers and public employees on July 7, 2026, that defying judicial rulings could strip them of personal immunity and expose them to civil lawsuits. The warning followed a unanimous Sunday cabinet resolution declaring the government would not recognize actions by the Second Authority for Television and Radio Council, arguing the body lacks the statutory membership threshold to operate.

The conflict stems from a June 17 ruling that allowed the council to continue functioning despite its reduced membership and froze government appointments for a replacement. This dispute directly impacts a proposed transaction to transfer control of Reshet 13 from Access Industries to the Merit Spread Foundation, which requires council approval. Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara characterized the cabinet's resolution as a serious attempt to thwart judicial decisions.

Government officials responded with sharp criticism. Justice Minister Yariv Levin stated the government does not see itself as bound by the decision, calling the justices "the last of the dictators who have lost the confidence of the public." Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described the judiciary and the Attorney-General's Office as a "legal mafia" engaged in "extortion." Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs denied that the administration intends to defy the court, claiming it is pursuing legal tools to overturn the ruling. In response, the court asserted that a government ignoring judicial orders sows "the seeds of calamity and anarchy."