The Supreme Court nullified this morning a duly-passed Knesset law. The law in question was passed in 1999, and stated that Arutz-7 was entitled to receive a broadcasting license. Nine members of the Court accepted a petition by three left-wing MKs and ruled that the law is null and void, in that it harms the \"rule of law\" as well as the \"freedom of occupation\" of potential competitors. Arutz-7 received its eligibility for a license without fulfilling conditions that other stations must fulfill, but \"merely\" by the fact that it had been broadcasting for at least five consecutive years. Yaakov (Ketzaleh) Katz, Arutz-7\'s Executive Director, said that the decision is a political one, proving the hatred of the left-wing and the judicial system for the religious-nationalist population. Katz added that the station would continue to broadcast legally as it has for more than the past decade from ship-borne transmitters, as well as via internet, satellite, and telephone.
Reactions to the ruling:
MK Tzvi Hendel, sponsor of the Arutz-7 law that was nullified, said, \"The ruling proves that the Supreme Court is totally detached from the will of the Knesset and the people... We have no choice but to use our large majority to legislate a new law that the Court will not be able to nullify.\"
National Religious Party leader Rabbi Yitzchak Levy calls on Prime Minister Sharon to take immediate action to initiate legislation to legalize Arutz-7: \"The decision didn\'t surprise me, because I know this Court... Arutz-7 is the only mouthpiece of a massive public sector that unfortunately finds no expression in the public media channels... It is a very important thing for a large sector - its increasing ratings are proof of that - and therefore a way must be found to solve the problem... OK, so the Supreme Court ruled what it ruled, but the Supreme Court is not the People of Israel, and I have asked Sharon to immediately initiate legislation to legalize Arutz-7. In any event, I am confident that you [Arutz-7] will continue broadcasting and serving the public…\" The NRP has also called to convene a special Knesset session on the matter.
Avigdor Lieberman (National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu): \"A scandalous decision... As always, the Court\'s activism is directed against the right-wing...\" He called for the establishment of a Constitutional Court, which would essentially stand above the Supreme Court; Chief Justice Aharon Barak has been fighting this option.
MK Michael Kleiner (Herut): \"The ruling is meant to perpetuate the left-wing\'s control over the media in Israel.\" He expressed the hope that the nationalist camp will unite in supporting legislation to change the way judges are appointed.
MK Zevulun Orlev (NRP): \"The Supreme Court has again postured itself above the Knesset and the people… The religious-nationalist outlook has no chance in this leftist secular Court.\"
MKs on the left expressed joy at the ruling, and called upon the police to close down the station.
Reactions to the ruling:
MK Tzvi Hendel, sponsor of the Arutz-7 law that was nullified, said, \"The ruling proves that the Supreme Court is totally detached from the will of the Knesset and the people... We have no choice but to use our large majority to legislate a new law that the Court will not be able to nullify.\"
National Religious Party leader Rabbi Yitzchak Levy calls on Prime Minister Sharon to take immediate action to initiate legislation to legalize Arutz-7: \"The decision didn\'t surprise me, because I know this Court... Arutz-7 is the only mouthpiece of a massive public sector that unfortunately finds no expression in the public media channels... It is a very important thing for a large sector - its increasing ratings are proof of that - and therefore a way must be found to solve the problem... OK, so the Supreme Court ruled what it ruled, but the Supreme Court is not the People of Israel, and I have asked Sharon to immediately initiate legislation to legalize Arutz-7. In any event, I am confident that you [Arutz-7] will continue broadcasting and serving the public…\" The NRP has also called to convene a special Knesset session on the matter.
Avigdor Lieberman (National Union-Yisrael Beiteinu): \"A scandalous decision... As always, the Court\'s activism is directed against the right-wing...\" He called for the establishment of a Constitutional Court, which would essentially stand above the Supreme Court; Chief Justice Aharon Barak has been fighting this option.
MK Michael Kleiner (Herut): \"The ruling is meant to perpetuate the left-wing\'s control over the media in Israel.\" He expressed the hope that the nationalist camp will unite in supporting legislation to change the way judges are appointed.
MK Zevulun Orlev (NRP): \"The Supreme Court has again postured itself above the Knesset and the people… The religious-nationalist outlook has no chance in this leftist secular Court.\"
MKs on the left expressed joy at the ruling, and called upon the police to close down the station.