Israeli Justice Minister Levin Urges Knesset to Defy Supreme Court Ruling on State Comptroller Election

Israeli Justice Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin has publicly called on the Knesset to ignore a Supreme Court ruling that mandates a rerun of the election for the State Comptroller position. In a radio interview on July 7, 2026, Levin insisted that Attorney Adi Regev Rabilo should assume the role immediately, rejecting the court's directive for new elections. This stance marks a significant escalation in tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary, with Levin openly challenging the authority of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court's decision came six days earlier, ordering the Knesset to hold fresh elections for the position after a controversial initial vote. The Knesset has yet to implement this ruling, and behind the scenes, intense consultations are underway within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana's circle. The coalition is divided, with some members advocating defiance of the court, while Netanyahu weighs the political risks of confronting the judiciary against his desire to see his personal attorney, Rabilo, appointed as State Comptroller.

Sources within the Likud party suggest the government may ultimately choose to comply with the court's decision to avoid a direct clash, presenting Rabilo as reluctant to provoke the Supreme Court. Netanyahu reportedly views the rerun as a more secure path to securing Rabilo's appointment than waiting for general elections, confident Rabilo will win again.

The initial election of Rabilo was contentious, with Likud members reportedly photographing their ballots to demonstrate loyalty to Netanyahu's candidate. In the second round, Rabilo narrowly defeated retired Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron by 61 to 57 votes. Levin's call to disregard the court ruling deepens the constitutional crisis and raises fundamental questions about the separation of powers in Israel.

The Knesset is expected to decide soon whether to comply with the Supreme Court or proceed with the current appointment, a decision that will have lasting implications for Israel's institutional balance and the future of judicial-executive relations.