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| Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discuss on Major Crisis |
Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin revealed a "major crisis" coming to Israel over the appointment of judges with the blessing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a move that has caused chaos in the Jewish state.
Israel is heading towards a dark tunnel and a major constitutional crisis, in light of the unprecedented decision taken by the Israeli government not to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the “Second Broadcasting Authority,” in a move described by legal and political figures as “rebellion against the law” and “a coup against the rule of law.”
Israeli media reports revealed explicit threats made by Justice Minister Yariv Levin during a meeting with activists, in which he warned: "Today's decision is just the beginning... and we will open the next term with a constitutional crisis over the election of judges."
In the same vein, sources close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that he left the chamber during the vote to avoid accusations of conflict of interest, but gave the "green light" behind the scenes to circumvent the court's decision. Media outlets quoted a senior government official as saying, "The time has come to create a crisis with the Supreme Court."
This decision sparked a legal and political storm, with Attorney General Gali Bahrav-Meara expected to join the petitioners, arguing that the government's decision constitutes "contempt of court." Senior legal officials warned that this represents "a prelude to a disaster that will unfold if the law to weaken the Attorney General is passed," while Gadi Eisenkot accused the government of "raising its hand against Israeli democracy and working to divide the people."
The "Quality of Governance Movement" also warned that "a government that chooses for itself which judicial decisions to implement and which to overturn is trampling on the rule of law," threatening to file a petition to impose sanctions on ministers.
In response, Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs rushed to justify the statement, claiming that "not a single word in the declaration calls for disobedience to the Supreme Court, but is merely a sharp criticism of a decision that violates the explicit text of the law."
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi attacked the president, asking: "Where was the president two weeks ago when the Supreme Court issued a decision that contradicted an explicit provision of the law?" He added: "The people are no longer willing to remain silent... We obey the law, not the illegal decisions of the Supreme Court."
This escalation comes after the government unanimously approved a proposal by the Ministers of Communications and Justice stipulating that any decision, appointment, or action issued by the "Second Broadcasting Authority" board that does not meet the legally mandated preconditions will not be recognized. This was in response to a Supreme Court ruling issued on June 17, which ordered the board to resume its powers despite having fewer members than the legally required minimum.
The court noted in its reasoning "serious suspicions" that the resignation of a number of council members was coordinated with the minister, with the aim of obstructing previous court decisions and hindering its ability to rule on the petitions submitted.
