Netanyahu Holds Consultation on State Comptroller Election Amidst Supreme Court Ruling

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a telephone consultation with faction leaders yesterday regarding the appointment of the State Comptroller. Attorney Michael Regev, who was selected for the position, also participated and reiterated his stance that he will not assume office without compliance with the Supreme Court ruling mandating new elections. The discussion focused on the political feasibility and potential success of holding repeat elections for the post. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed holding new elections, calling it a "victory for the Supreme Court." Netanyahu requested to temporarily remove the issue from the agenda and avoid making a decision at this time.

The Supreme Court had invalidated the previous election for State Comptroller due to violations of the secret ballot requirement, after Knesset members recorded their votes on video. The court ordered new elections to be held. Although the Knesset has since dissolved, the Knesset legal advisor issued an opinion allowing the repeat elections to proceed post-dissolution. However, 18 days have passed since the court ruling with no action taken, and no resolution is expected soon. Currently, there is no serving State Comptroller, and Regev has made clear he will not violate the court's decision by taking office prematurely.