Netanyahu's State Comptroller Nominee Withdraws Candidacy

Michael Ravilo, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nominee for State Comptroller, announced Friday to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana that he is withdrawing his candidacy. Ravilo's decision comes ahead of a repeat election expected after the new Knesset is sworn in. He stated in his letter that he was informed his chances of being elected were low due to the coalition losing its majority. Additionally, the coalition reportedly prefers retired Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron, whose chances of election are now considered higher, over any candidate from the opposition bloc.

Ravilo had previously advocated for a new vote for State Comptroller within the current Knesset, in line with a High Court of Justice ruling, but this position was rejected. Sources close to Ravilo told Ynet that his candidacy faced a "orchestrated campaign" alleging conflicts of interest due to his past representation of Netanyahu and the Likud party. However, these claims were unanimously dismissed by the Supreme Court. His associates argued that while Ravilo would have been recused from matters directly concerning the Prime Minister if appointed, this would have affected only a small portion of the Comptroller's duties, as his legal work primarily focused on constitutional and administrative issues.

The saga of Ravilo's appointment has escalated into a constitutional crisis. The initial vote in the Knesset plenum saw Elron receive 60 votes and Ravilo 57. As a majority of at least 61 Knesset members is required, a second round was held. Reports emerged that coalition members were asked to document their votes, which are supposed to be secret, to ensure they voted for Ravilo. He reportedly won this second round, but the High Court subsequently ruled the process flawed and ordered a repeat election.

The coalition initially refused to recognize the High Court's decision, asserting its lack of authority over internal parliamentary proceedings, and declared Ravilo the acting Comptroller. Ravilo himself rejected this, refusing to assume the role. The 26th Knesset is set to be sworn in on November 10th and will need to elect a State Comptroller. The question now is whether the new Knesset will conduct only the second round of voting or if new candidates can be introduced. If new candidates are not permitted, Elron would be the sole remaining candidate.

Knesset Legal Advisor Shagit Afik has indicated a preference for conducting only the second round of the election without introducing new candidates, but acknowledged conflicting considerations and suggested a decision should await the formation of the 26th Knesset and the election of its new Speaker.