Netanyahu's Former Lawyer Withdraws State Comptroller Candidacy
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Attorney Michael Ravillo, former private counsel to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has withdrawn his bid for State Comptroller following a Supreme Court order for a new election due to voting irregularities. The position has been vacant for months, and a new election is anticipated when the Knesset reconvenes. The Supreme Court had previously halted Ravillo's appointment, citing violations of ballot secrecy, a decision that drew criticism from some ministers.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Michael Ravillo withdrew his candidacy for State Comptroller after a Supreme Court ruling.
- The Supreme Court ordered a new election due to irregularities in the secret ballot process.
- The State Comptroller position has been vacant for months.
- Dean Livna, acting director-general of the Central Elections Committee, is a potential new candidate.
- Some ministers had previously criticized the Supreme Court's intervention.
Attorney Michael Ravillo, who previously served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's private lawyer, has withdrawn his candidacy for the position of State Comptroller. This decision comes after the Supreme Court froze his appointment in July, ordering a new election due to irregularities in the original secret ballot process. Ravillo's withdrawal occurs as political factions prepare for a new election when the Knesset reconvenes.
The position of State Comptroller has been vacant for months since the previous comptroller, Matanyahu Engelman, completed his term. The possibility of opening the race to new candidates is now being considered, in addition to retired judge Yosef Elron. Recently, Dean Livna, acting director-general of the Central Elections Committee, emerged as a potential candidate, with several lawmakers exploring his candidacy.
The Supreme Court's intervention stemmed from petitions alleging that Knesset members who documented their votes violated the principle of ballot secrecy. Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Sohlberg emphasized in his ruling that the law mandates a strictly secret ballot, stating that a Knesset member's waiver of secrecy could lead to undue pressure on others.
Some coalition figures at the time criticized the court's decision. Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused the Supreme Court justices of repeatedly crossing red lines, while Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated the court was disrespecting the Knesset. Minister of Communications Shlomo Karai even urged Ravillo to assume the role immediately, defying the court's order and declaring it was time to say no to the Supreme Court.
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