Full coverage· Politics· Updated 4 Nov, 20:20

Netanyahu's Lawyer Withdraws from State Comptroller Race

Attorney Michael Rabilo, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former private lawyer and the coalition's candidate, has withdrawn his candidacy for State Comptroller. His decision follows a High Court of Justice ruling that invalidated his previous election due to violations of ballot secrecy.

5 newsrooms · 2 languages · since 4 Nov, 18:21

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What happened

01Attorney Michael Rabilo withdrew his candidacy for State Comptroller after the High Court of Justice invalidated his June election.
02The High Court ruled that Knesset members violated ballot secrecy by documenting their votes during the initial election.
03Outgoing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana refused to schedule a repeat vote despite the High Court's order.
04The High Court dismissed a petition to force a new vote, citing the changed composition of the newly elected Knesset.
05According to Mignews, Rabilo withdrew because the coalition's loss of its parliamentary majority reduced his chances of winning.
06The coalition now favors retired Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron, who was previously backed by the opposition.
07The State Comptroller position has been vacant for several months since Matanyahu Engelman completed his term.
08According to Mako, other potential candidates like Attorney Dean Livna are being considered for the role.

Rabilo was initially elected in June with 61 votes, defeating retired Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron. However, the High Court froze the appointment and ordered a new vote after Knesset members documented their ballots, violating secret voting principles. Outgoing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana refused to schedule a repeat vote, and the High Court subsequently dismissed a petition to compel him, citing the changed composition of the new Knesset.

According to Mignews, Rabilo withdrew because the coalition lost its parliamentary majority, which significantly reduced his chances of winning. The coalition now favors Elron, who was previously supported by the opposition, over any new opposition-backed contender. The position of State Comptroller has been vacant for months since Matanyahu Engelman completed his term, and other potential candidates, such as Attorney Dean Livna, are reportedly being considered.

Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated 4 Nov, 23:21

Latest report: Mignews. Read Mignews’s original