Knesset Speaker Ohana Relents, Contacts Supreme Court President Amit

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, after initially attempting to avoid officially recognizing Yitzhak Amit as President of the Supreme Court, was ultimately compelled to contact him. The situation arose during the process of appointing a retired judge to investigate allegations of corruption within the State Comptroller's office. Ohana's strategy, revealed by i24NEWS legal affairs correspondent Avishai Grinzaig, involved trying to circumvent direct contact with Amit.

In July 2025, Ohana instructed the Knesset's legal advisor, Shagit Afik, to ask the Director of Courts to approach the Supreme Court President. However, two months later, Amit rejected this indirect approach, clarifying that the Knesset Speaker must make the request directly as per protocol.

By mid-February 2026, Ohana conceded. The Knesset's legal advisor contacted Amit again, this time stating the inquiry was made "on behalf of the Knesset Speaker." This led to the appointment of retired Judge Michal Nadav to investigate the matter at the State Comptroller's office.

This incident is the latest in a series of confrontations between Ohana and the judicial system. Previously, Ohana boycotted the swearing-in ceremony in February 2025, citing sharp criticism of Amit's selection process. He also did not invite Ohana to speak at an event in the Knesset, alleging that the judiciary was undermining the legislative branch.