Israel's Supreme Court Fines Knesset Speaker Ohana, Criticizes Delay in State Comptroller Election

The dispute began after a June 3, 2026, Knesset vote to replace Matanyahu Engelman ended in controversy. After Likud lawmakers photographed their ballots, violating the secrecy of the vote, a subsequent round was held in which attorney Michael Ravilo defeated retired judge Yosef Elron. On July 2, 2026, the Supreme Court invalidated that second round due to voting irregularities, leaving the comptroller position vacant from July 4, 2026.

Petitioner Yaron Gadot sought to force Ohana to schedule the mandated repeat vote. While the Knesset's legal advisor, Sagit Afik, acknowledged the validity of the claims, she noted implementation challenges. The three-judge panel, led by Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit alongside Justices Khaled Kabub and Ruth Ronen, ruled that Ohana's prolonged refusal to schedule the vote defied the court's order and constituted a severe blow to governance and the rule of law.

Ultimately, the court dismissed the petition due to changed political circumstances. The election of the 26th Knesset on the preceding Tuesday created practical difficulties in holding a vote with candidates from the previous 25th Knesset. Justice Ruth Ronen suggested that if the issue arises again, the speaker of the newly elected Knesset should address it.