Knesset Speaker Seeks Private Legal Counsel in State Comptroller Election Dispute

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana is seeking private legal representation in a High Court of Justice case concerning the election of the State Comptroller, a highly unusual move. Ohana wishes to distance himself from the Knesset's legal advisor, Shagit Afik, who believes the court's ruling mandating a new election should be followed promptly. The petition was filed by citizen Yaron Gadot. Ohana opposes Afik's stance and refuses to hold a new election for the comptroller, hence his desire for private counsel.

Previously, a panel of five Supreme Court justices, led by Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit, unanimously ruled the initial election for State Comptroller invalid and ordered a repeat vote in the Knesset. Justice Noam Sohlberg sharply criticized Ohana in his ruling, referencing Ohana's statement before the second vote that lawmakers were permitted to document their ballots. Sohlberg warned this could lead to a practice of documenting votes, making the Basic Law 'a mockery.'

Sources previously reported by Channel 13 indicated that Ohana, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz had privately expressed opposition to a new election for State Comptroller. The Likud party reportedly pressured the Knesset's legal advisor, Michael Rabello, to appoint someone despite the ruling. Justice Minister Levin later publicly called for disregarding the High Court's decision on the matter.