Knesset Legal Advisor Urges State Comptroller Election Before Current Term Ends

The Knesset's legal advisor, Shagit Afik, informed the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) that the election for State Comptroller should be held during the current Knesset's term, which concludes in November 2026. Afik's statement was in response to petitions filed due to the failure to elect a comptroller, including one by Yaron Gadot.

Afik reiterated her position that a date for a repeat vote should be set as soon as possible, in accordance with a previous court ruling. However, she also presented considerations to the court regarding the proximity to elections, the Knesset's recess, and changes in its composition since the initial ruling.

Afik emphasized that this is her legal opinion, and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana will submit his own response. The High Court had previously ordered Ohana on July 2 to hold a new election process for the State Comptroller, but Ohana has reportedly refused to convene the Knesset for this purpose.

Afik outlined four factors relevant to the timing of the vote. First, since July, the Knesset's composition has changed due to party splits and member movements ahead of elections, with five members resigning and being replaced by others who did not participate in the first round. Second, there's a concern that current election-season politics might unduly influence the vote. Third, while the law permits convening the Knesset during an election recess, members' focus is typically on campaigning. Fourth, although the law requires a three-week notice for a vote, it doesn't explicitly address a second round held at a different time, suggesting sufficient notice is needed but perhaps not the full three weeks if the Speaker exercises discretion.