MK Sharren Haskel Claims New Hope Members Forced to Record State Comptroller Vote Amid Legal Dispute

In a declaration submitted to Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday, Member of Knesset Sharren Haskel alleged that members of the New Hope party were required to document their votes for State Comptroller candidate Michael Regev by filming themselves and presenting the footage to Prime Minister Netanyahu. Haskel, who resigned as Deputy Foreign Minister following the approval of a bill freezing the detention of draft-dodging ultra-Orthodox men, stated that the Likud candidate was presented as the sole option, compelling New Hope members to support him without room for independent opinion.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court ruled that the election for State Comptroller must be redone due to a significant breach of voting secrecy, which invalidated the original vote that selected Regev. This decision sparked reactions across the political spectrum. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir condemned the court's ruling as anti-democratic and asserted that his top priority in the next term would be a comprehensive judicial reform. Finance Committee Chair Hanoch Milwiczky described the ruling as a preview of what is expected in the upcoming general elections.

Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chair Boaz Bismuth and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana both indicated that the Knesset would not hold a repeat vote. MK Tali Gottlieb expressed outrage, accusing the Supreme Court of overreach and insisting that the Knesset's original choice for State Comptroller must stand to ensure citizens have a legitimate avenue for complaints.

In a related interview, MK Yaron Levy, accused by opposition figures of potentially enabling the victory of Judge Elron in the first round, emphasized the importance of secret ballots and pledged to vote according to his conscience in any future vote. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the legislature over democratic processes and judicial authority in Israel.