Netanyahu's State Comptroller Candidate Withdraws Amid Knesset Power Shift

Attorney Michael Ravilo, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nominee for State Comptroller, has decided not to run in the upcoming re-election following the swearing-in of the 26th Knesset. Ravilo's withdrawal comes as the coalition's parliamentary majority has shifted, diminishing his chances of election. Sources indicate that within Netanyahu's bloc, there is a preference to avoid appearing to oppose retired Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron, who is seen as having a stronger chance of being elected and is considered a more favorable candidate for the coalition than any potential nominee from the opposition.

The decision follows a contentious selection process that led to legal challenges. In the initial Knesset vote, Elron received 60 votes to Ravilo's 57. However, since the law requires an absolute majority of 61 votes to elect a State Comptroller, a second round was held. Ravilo was elected in the second round, but petitions to the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) resulted in a ruling that the process was flawed and a new election was necessary. This ruling came after reports that coalition members were allegedly asked to document their secret ballots to prove their support for Ravilo.

Despite the High Court's decision, the coalition initially declared Ravilo the elected comptroller, refusing to recognize the court's intervention in a parliamentary procedure. However, Ravilo himself declined to assume the role. Associates of Ravilo told Ynet that his candidacy faced a coordinated campaign focusing on alleged conflicts of interest due to his legal representation of Netanyahu and the Likud party, though they noted the Supreme Court had unanimously rejected petitions based on these claims.

A further legal question remains regarding the procedure for the new election: whether only the second round should be repeated or if the nomination process should be reopened. The Knesset Legal Advisor, Shagit Afik, has indicated a leaning towards repeating only the second round without accepting new candidates, but acknowledged conflicting considerations. A final decision will be made after the 26th Knesset is convened and a new Speaker is elected. If Afik's position prevails and Ravilo does not run, Elron may become the sole candidate for the position.