developing· Politics· Updated
Coalition's Comptroller Candidate Michael Rabello Withdraws Candidacy
Michael Rabello, the coalition's nominee for State Comptroller, withdrew his candidacy on Friday, November 6, 2026, in a letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana. Rabello, who previously served as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's personal lawyer, had his June election invalidated by the Supreme Court due to procedural flaws. The court's ruling followed allegations that coalition members photographed their ballots behind the voting curtain, violating the principle of secrecy.
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What happened
- 01Michael Rabello withdrew his candidacy for State Comptroller on Friday, November 6, 2026, in a letter to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
- 02The Supreme Court invalidated Rabello's June election because coalition members photographed their ballots, violating voting secrecy.
- 03Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana refused to hold a repeat vote, drawing sharp criticism and a 10,000-shekel fine from the Supreme Court.
- 04Israel has been without a State Comptroller since Matanyahu Englman's term ended in July, impacting whistleblower protection.
- 05Rabello, Netanyahu's former personal lawyer, had narrowly defeated retired Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron by 61 votes to 57.
- 06Knesset legal adviser Sagit Afik stated that the Knesset speaker is obligated to convene the parliament to elect a comptroller even during recess.
The Supreme Court ordered a repeat vote, but Knesset Speaker Ohana refused to hold it, arguing the court lacked the authority to intervene. On Tuesday, the court criticized Ohana's defiance as a severe blow to governance and ordered him to pay 10,000 shekels in legal costs. The State Comptroller position has been vacant since early July, when Matanyahu Englman's seven-year term concluded, which has impacted whistleblower protection.
Rabello had initially won the position in a second round of voting on June 3, securing 61 votes against retired Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron's 57. Following Rabello's withdrawal, the Knesset must now convene to elect a successor. Knesset legal adviser Sagit Afik noted that the speaker is obligated to hold the election even during a recess, though the final decision on a new comptroller will rest with the Knesset.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: The Jerusalem Post. Read The Jerusalem Post’s originalThe coverage
3 newsrooms on this story
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- Left1
- Centre2
- RightNone
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