Israeli Supreme Court Reexamines Petitions to Cancel Michael Reblio's State Comptroller Appointment

The Israeli Supreme Court is holding a critical hearing on petitions seeking to annul the appointment of Attorney Michael Reblio as State Comptroller. The hearing, conducted by an expanded panel of five judges led by Justice Yitzhak Amit, focuses on allegations that the secrecy of the parliamentary vote was compromised when coalition members recorded their votes behind the curtain.

The petitions were filed by several groups including the Movement for Quality Government, the Blue and White and Yesh Atid parties, and the Israel Bar Association. Petitioners argue that the recorded votes served as a "loyalty test," severely violating the principle of vote secrecy essential for a proper selection process. Previously, Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Solberg noted a "cloud hanging over the process" and suggested a re-vote, which was rejected by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Consequently, the court issued a conditional order mandating this additional hearing.

The Knesset's legal counsel responded that no law, Knesset regulation, or precedent explicitly prohibits members from recording their secret votes behind the curtain. They argued that although the practice is undesirable, no fundamental flaw or defect affecting the election results has been proven, which is required by law to invalidate the vote.

Likud and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, represented by attorney Ilan Bombach, contend that no procedural defect justifies judicial intervention. They warn that annulling the appointment would be an unprecedented and extreme step undermining the Knesset's status and the separation of powers. Likud submitted affidavits from MKs and ministers who recorded their votes, including Minister Shlomo Karhi, who said he published his photo to demonstrate "unit pride." The Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling after hearing all arguments.