Israeli Bar Association Demands Knesset Convene to Elect State Comptroller After Supreme Court Ruling

More than a month and a half after the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that the Knesset must convene to elect a new State Comptroller, the chairman of the Israeli Bar Association, Amit Bechar, has formally demanded that Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana call a plenary session to hold the election. The court invalidated the previous selection of Michal Rabillo due to a breach of voting secrecy and ordered a new vote. However, Ohana has refused to convene the Knesset, arguing that the Supreme Court acted beyond its authority and that the Knesset is not obligated to comply.

Since early July, Israel has lacked a sitting State Comptroller, creating a legal vacuum that has prevented the approval of protection orders for whistleblowers and corruption investigations. Ten requests for such protection orders have been rejected outright because no authorized official can grant them in the absence of a comptroller. For example, a senior government employee seeking protection after reporting workplace misconduct was denied due to the vacancy.

The Bar Association's letter was also sent to the Knesset's legal advisor, Shagit Afik, urging her to instruct the deputy speakers and Knesset secretariat to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court ruling and uphold the Knesset's legal duties. The Supreme Court decision, issued about 50 days ago by Justices Noam Solberg, Daphna Barak-Erez, and Gila Kanfi-Steinitz, emphasized the mandatory nature of electing a State Comptroller.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin has publicly opposed holding a new election, calling for Michal Rabillo to assume the role despite the court's ruling. His stance has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, including Gadi Eizenkot, Yair Golan, and Karin Elharar, the latter announcing plans to file a contempt of court motion against Levin.

The ongoing impasse highlights significant legal and administrative challenges in Israel's oversight mechanisms and the tension between the legislative and judicial branches over authority and compliance with court rulings.