Supreme Court Postpones Hearings on the Issue of Sabbath Television in Israel

The Supreme Court yesterday granted a postponement requested by the States Attorney in hearings on the issue of Sabbath television. The request was a surprise as the States Attorney said previously that he would press for a ruling. He asked for a postponement in order to consult with the Cabinet, giving rise to speculation that the Government may decide to drop the whole matter. The hearing that opened yesterday was on an order nisi ordering the Prime Minister to show cause why she should not desist from interfering with the Friday eve telecasts. Last November Mrs. Meir issued orders overruling a decision by the Israel Broadcasting Authority, a quasi-independent body, to establish television on a seven-day basis. But her orders were nullified by an injunction obtained at the last minute from the Supreme Court and Israelis have had Friday eve television ever since.

The Supreme Court noted at a previous session that Mrs. Meir’s original ban was limited to the period until a new cabinet was formed. One Justice said that now that a cabinet exists the proceedings were pointless. The granting of a postponement by the Supreme Court freed the Cabinet from the rule that matters subjudice may not be discussed outside of the court. The Cabinet is known to be divided over Mrs. Meir’s action. It is not known what stand the National Religious Party will take. Some observers said the Orthodox ministers might be content to let the matter rest in view of the recent Government compliance with Orthodox demands on the issue of who is a Jew.