Knesset Legal Advisor Orders New State Comptroller Elections Within Two Weeks Following Supreme Court Ruling

The Knesset's legal advisor, Attorney Shagit Afik, has issued an opinion mandating that the Knesset hold new elections for the State Comptroller position as soon as possible, specifically within two weeks. This directive follows a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the appointment of Attorney Michael Reavilo to the role. Afik's opinion, conveyed to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, emphasizes that even if the election occurs during the Knesset's recess or after its dissolution, the outgoing Knesset retains full authority to conduct the election due to the critical importance of filling the State Comptroller post and the principle of parliamentary continuity under Basic Law: The Knesset.

Earlier, Justice Minister Yariv Levin publicly urged defiance of the Supreme Court's decision, insisting that Reavilo should assume the position without new elections. Levin stated in a radio interview that holding repeat elections is impossible and called for Reavilo to be installed immediately. Similarly, Coalition Chairman MK Ofir Katz declared that from their perspective, Reavilo is the elected State Comptroller and that the Supreme Court cannot demand new elections, asserting that the decision to take office rests solely with Reavilo.

These statements mark a significant escalation in tensions between the executive and judicial branches, with government officials openly challenging the judiciary's authority. The legal advisor's opinion aims to resolve the constitutional crisis by enforcing compliance with the Supreme Court ruling and ensuring the State Comptroller position is properly filled within the legal framework.