The power struggle between the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Supreme Court has brought the country to the brink of a constitutional crisis. The escalating tension ahead of the critical general elections in October is also bringing fears of civil war.
Justice Minister openly defies Supreme Court
Justice Minister Yariv Levin on Wednesday called for non-compliance with the Supreme Court's ruling to redo the election of the State Comptroller. Speaking to Haredi radio, Levin said that Netanyahu's former personal lawyer Michael Rabello should directly take over the post, stating, 'A new election cannot be held, Rabello must start immediately.'
The Supreme Court had annulled last month's vote, in which Rabello was elected following opposition objections, and ordered parliament to hold a new election. During the election process, it emerged that Likud lawmakers had taken photos with their ballot papers to show loyalty to Netanyahu's candidate.
Opposition: 'Enemy of democracy'
Opposition leaders reacted harshly to the government's stance. Yair Golan accused Levin of 'acting like a last criminal,' while Gadi Eisenkot described the Justice Minister as 'an enemy of Israeli democracy.' Eisenkot said, 'Netanyahu and his government are undermining the foundations of democracy ahead of the most important election in Israel's history.'
Finance Minister's civil war comment
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused the Supreme Court of creating chaos, saying, 'They are making illegal decisions.' When asked about fears of civil war, Smotrich replied, 'This should not happen.'
Former Deputy Attorney General Erez Kaminitz said that a minister saying he would not comply with a court ruling was 'a blow to the separation of powers and democracy.' When asked whether the election results would be accepted, Kaminitz replied, 'I don't know.'
Broadcasting authority ruling also not recognized
Earlier this week, the government announced it would not comply with a court ruling regarding the 'Second Broadcasting Authority,' which oversees commercial broadcasting. The Supreme Court criticized this stance and warned about the consequences of ignoring judicial rulings.
Relations between the Netanyahu government and the Supreme Court have been tense since the government took office in late 2022. Ministers claim the court is trying to weaken the right-wing government.
