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A major political and legal confrontation erupted on Sunday after the Israeli government unanimously approved an unprecedented decision refusing to recognize a ruling by the Supreme Court regarding the Second Authority for Television and Radio. The move has dramatically escalated tensions between Israel’s executive and judicial branches.

The government’s decision drew immediate and fierce criticism from Deputy Attorney General Dr. Gil Limon, who accused the coalition of attempting to undermine the rule of law. He described the measure as “an attempt to normalize a systematic violation of the law.”

According to Limon, “The government has submitted a proposed resolution that explicitly ignores an interim order of the Supreme Court, with the goal of declaring that it will not accept claims based on judicial decisions.”

‘A Red Line That Must Never Be Crossed’

President Isaac Herzog also strongly condemned the government’s decision, warning that defying the nation’s highest court threatens the country’s democratic foundations.

In an official statement, Herzog declared that “Noncompliance with a Supreme Court ruling is a red line that must never be crossed under any circumstances.” He added that “Statements advocating disobedience of Supreme Court rulings strike at the very heart of national unity.”

The controversial resolution was jointly introduced by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Yariv Levin. It states that as long as the Second Authority Council does not meet the minimum legal requirements established by law, every decision, appointment, approval, or action taken by the council is to be considered legally void from the outset.

According to the government’s position, any court ruling that directly contradicts the clear language of the law is itself invalid.

Attorney General: ‘A Serious Attempt to Undermine the Court’

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara submitted her official response to the Supreme Court, sharply criticizing the government’s action. She argued that it represents “a serious attempt to thwart the decisions of the court and intimidate those who seek to carry them out.”

Israel Bar Association chairman Amit Becher also denounced the move, calling it “a complete destruction of the rule of law and democracy in Israel.”

“The attempt to ignore the court’s ruling comes alongside efforts to destroy freedom of the press,” Becher said. “A government cannot violate a court ruling, and a government that is not subject to the law betrays its duty and rebels against the state and its people.” He urged opponents to resist the decision “by every legal means.”

The dispute stems from a Supreme Court ruling issued in mid-June that reinstated the Second Authority Council appointed under the previous government. The court allowed the council to continue functioning even though its membership had fallen below the legal minimum of two-thirds of its full complement, as specified in the governing statute.

The government, however, maintains that once the council no longer satisfies the legal quorum required by law, it loses the authority to act. Ministers further argue that even the Supreme Court lacks the power to issue rulings that conflict with explicit legislation.

The resolution adopted Sunday emphasizes that the rule of law binds every branch of government, including, according to the government’s position, the judiciary itself.

It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the passing of R’ Kalman Mendlowitz z”l, a beloved member of the Boro Park community whose name became synonymous with warmth, integrity, and making simchos run seamlessly.

For decades, generations of families celebrated their happiest moments in halls that he owned and operated, knowing they were in the hands of someone who cared as much about their joy as they did.

R’ Kalman was the driving force behind Ateres Shlomo Hall on New Utrecht Avenue and 77th Street, one of Brooklyn’s most well-known wedding halls. Together with his family, he also operated Sasson V’Simcha, a pair of halls that hosted everything from bar mitzvahs and sheva brachos to large weddings. Thousands of Yidden marked life’s milestones under his watchful eye, and countless families came away not only satisfied, but deeply appreciative of the way he treated them.

Those who worked with him or celebrated their simchos in his halls invariably described him in the same way: a true mentch. He was known for being gracious, accommodating, fair, and committed to providing excellent food and impeccable service. More than a businessman, he was someone who understood that behind every event was a family experiencing one of the most meaningful days of its life.

His extraordinary dedication was perhaps best illustrated in 2009, when Ateres Shlomo was unexpectedly shut down by authorities on the very day of a scheduled wedding. Faced with what could have been a devastating situation for the chosson and kallah, R’ Kalman sprang into action. He immediately contacted Ateres Chaya, arranged for the wedding to be relocated, and coordinated a remarkable logistical effort. Already-prepared food was transported across Boro Park, his own waiters accompanied it, and the staffs of both halls worked tirelessly throughout the day to recreate the wedding. Thanks to his quick thinking, determination, and refusal to let a family’s joy be ruined, the chasunah went forward successfully.

That episode reflected the values by which he lived. Solving problems quietly, easing the burdens of others, and doing whatever was necessary to preserve another person’s simcha came naturally to him.

One friend told Matzav.com, “Kalman was a prince of a man who allowed people to make simchos with the greatest of ease and totally stress-free.”

R’ Kalman came from a family that devoted its life to bringing joy to Klal Yisroel. His father, R’ Avrohom Abish Mendlowitz z”l, was an example of what an ehrliche Yid should be. “Not a bad word can be said about him, just as he never said a bad word about anyone else,” said a friend. Those qualities of humility, kindness, and respect for others were clearly passed down to the next generation.

His brother was the legendary Jewish music producer R’ Sheya Mendlowitz z”l, whose influence on contemporary Jewish music is immeasurable. He was niftar in 2023.

Together, the Mendlowitz family occupied a unique place in the lives of Yidden. The father embodied ehrlichkeit, one son elevated Jewish music, and another created the setting in which families celebrated their most cherished occasions. For decades, they helped bring happiness to the lives of others in different but complementary ways.

Those who knew R’ Kalman will remember not only the beautiful halls and delicious meals, but the calm reassurance he brought to every event. Families entrusted him with weddings, bar mitzvahs, and other milestones because they knew he would treat their simcha as though it were his own.

The levayah was held on Friday morning at Shomrei Hadas Chapels in Boro Park, just hours before Shabbos.

Yehi zichro boruch.

{Matzav.com}

The next round of negotiations between the United States and Iran is reportedly scheduled for July 11 in Pakistan, according to Al Arabiya. The meeting would mark the latest step in ongoing efforts to transform last month’s interim agreement into a broader, long-term deal between the two countries.

The report comes as Iran continues a six-day state funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike on February 28. The ceremonies began on Saturday and are expected to conclude with his burial on July 9.

According to Al Arabiya, the upcoming discussions are expected to center on U.S. sanctions, Iran’s frozen financial assets, and Tehran’s nuclear program. Iranian officials have reportedly not yet selected the head of their negotiating team, with that decision expected only after the funeral concludes.

If the meeting takes place, it would follow this week’s indirect technical talks in Doha, Qatar, where American and Iranian representatives met through mediators from Qatar and Pakistan to discuss implementation of the interim agreement reached last month.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that any lasting agreement must resolve issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, sanctions relief, and security in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have continued pressing for the gradual release of billions of dollars in frozen assets as part of a comprehensive settlement.

Neither the U.S. government nor the Iranian regime has officially confirmed the reported July 11 meeting. In recent months, Pakistan, together with Qatar, has taken on an increasingly significant role in facilitating indirect contacts as both sides work toward replacing the temporary accord with a permanent agreement.

Hamas is reportedly preparing to dismantle the governing body that has effectively run the Gaza Strip for nearly 20 years, according to officials within the terrorist organization who spoke with Asharq Al-Awsat. The move is said to be part of a broader effort to replace Hamas’ governing structure with a civilian administrative body.

According to the report, Hamas plans to dissolve its Committee for Monitoring Government Activity, the organization that has functioned as Gaza’s de facto government since Hamas seized control of the territory. In its place, the group intends to hand responsibility to the Gaza Strip Administration Committee, headed by Ali Shaat, which is expected to consist of professional civilian technocrats rather than Hamas officials.

The new administrative committee was established approximately six months ago. However, Israeli authorities reportedly blocked its members from entering Gaza, preventing the body from beginning its operations.

A Hamas official told Asharq Al-Awsat that an announcement formally dissolving the Committee for Monitoring Government Activity could be made as early as Monday.

The report also said that representatives of various Palestinian factions are expected to meet again in Cairo in the coming days as negotiations continue over implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. The discussions may also include senior members of the Peace Council as well as representatives of the Trump administration.

During recent negotiations held in Turkey with representatives from Qatar and Egypt, Hamas reportedly demanded that any disarmament process take place gradually, with its weapons ultimately transferred to a Palestinian governing body rather than surrendered outright. The terrorist organization also insisted that Israel commit to a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip as part of any broader agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu dismissed speculation of friction with President Donald Trump during an exclusive interview with Fox News on Sunday, insisting that the close partnership between Israel and the United States remains intact and that both leaders continue to stand united on the most critical issues, especially Iran.

Addressing reports of strained ties, Netanyahu said there is no meaningful disagreement between the two governments. “I don’t think there is a rift between us. Unlike other alliances, Israel and America fight shoulder to shoulder. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the president and I see eye to eye.”

Asked about Trump’s recent comment that Netanyahu “knows who the boss is,” the prime minister downplayed the remark, emphasizing that he and the president continue to enjoy “excellent relations” and remain fully aligned on the shared goal of preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power.

Netanyahu also issued a firm warning to the Iranian regime following reports that Tehran has resumed reconstruction work and may have violated previous understandings at tunnel sites near Natanz.

“Deal or no deal, as long as I am prime minister of Israel, Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” he declared.

The conversation later shifted to developments in American politics, including what Netanyahu described as a weakening of support for Israel within certain sectors of the United States.

Responding to a question about Jewish elected officials who have criticized his government’s policies while facing mounting pressure from progressive activists, Netanyahu argued that they have allowed themselves to be influenced by political trends.

“They allow themselves to be dragged along by unreasonable protests and toxic ideology,” he said. “I don’t think this trend will last. America can try socialism. We tried it in Israel in the past, and it simply didn’t work. I chose to pursue a free-market economy, and it has worked much better.”

{Matzav.com}