Justice Minister Levin Rejects Supreme Court Ruling, Demands Auditor Appointment Proceed

Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin firmly opposed a recent Supreme Court ruling that froze the appointment of Attorney Michael Regev to the position of State Comptroller. In a radio interview on Wednesday, Levin stated there should be no repeat elections for the role and that Regev must simply assume office without delay. He emphasized, "There can be no hesitation, it is impossible to hold repeat elections for the State Comptroller. Attorney Regev must just enter his position, no one can stop him."

This confrontation comes amid a broader dispute between Levin and the Supreme Court. Just the day before, the Israeli government unanimously approved a proposal by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and Justice Minister Levin declaring it will not recognize any decisions or appointments made by the Second Authority Council unless they meet explicit legal criteria.

The Supreme Court had issued an interim injunction about a week ago, freezing Regev's appointment pending a final ruling on petitions challenging the selection process. The court's decision was delivered by Justice Yitzhak Amit. Levin's stance signals a strong governmental pushback against the judiciary's intervention in this appointment.

The ongoing legal and political battle centers on the legitimacy and process of appointing the State Comptroller, a key oversight position in Israel. Levin's declaration suggests the government will resist judicial attempts to delay or overturn Regev's appointment, setting the stage for further clashes between the executive branch and the Supreme Court.