Right-Wing Broadcaster Eli Ohana Criticizes Appointment of Michael Regev as State Comptroller

Eli Ohana, a right-wing radio host on 103FM, addressed the controversy surrounding calls by some Likud ministers and Knesset members to appoint Michael Regev as State Comptroller despite a Supreme Court ruling requiring new elections for the position. On Thursday, Ohana said live on air that while he understood the rationale for appointing Regev due to his close relationship with the government, the move felt uncomfortable and could have been avoided.

This follows comments by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who on Wednesday told Kol Barama radio that Regev should assume the role regardless of the Supreme Court's decision. Levin argued that holding new elections was impossible and that the Knesset majority should make a clear statement on the matter. He criticized the court's intervention as an overreach, especially since the State Comptroller is accountable to the Knesset and oversees the judiciary. Levin further accused the Supreme Court of acting beyond its authority and warned against judges effectively assuming parliamentary powers.

The dispute highlights tensions between the Israeli government and judiciary over the appointment process for the State Comptroller, a key oversight position. The Supreme Court had ruled that the election for the post must be redone, but some government officials reject this ruling and advocate for Regev's immediate appointment. Ohana's remarks reflect unease even among some right-wing figures about bypassing legal procedures in this politically sensitive appointment.