After Court Voids State Comptroller Vote, Coalition Voices Call to Defy Ruling

Israel’s High Court of Justice ruled today (Thursday) that a new election must be held for the position of state comptroller, after determining that there was a "substantive flaw in the secrecy of the vote" during the second round. The decision triggered a wave of sharp reactions across the political system: the opposition welcomed the ruling, while coalition figures attacked it fiercely — and some ministers and Knesset members even called for it not to be carried out.

 Within the coalition, the court’s decision drew harsh condemnation. Finance Committee Chairman MK Hanoch Milwidsky argued that "this is just the preview of what they intend to do in the general elections." Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana wrote on X: "The Knesset has already spoken." 

Deputy Minister Almog Cohen called for the ruling to be ignored: "This is a moment of truth. A High Court that overturns the results of the election for state comptroller will also overturn the results of the national elections. I call on my colleagues to act as I do, and not comply with the High Court ruling led by the corrupt Justice Yitzhak Amit."

MK Tally Gotliv posted: "Enough is enough! The High Court has made one mistake too many! A repeat election for state comptroller must not be held. The Knesset has spoken and chosen a state comptroller."

According to Gotliv, "A state comptroller will not be elected a second time. The meaning is that Israel’s citizens, under the auspices of the High Court, will have nowhere to turn. This time it’s in the hands of the Knesset. A Knesset that respects itself does not surrender to a disgraceful High Court ruling."

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also sharply attacked the decision. In his words, "Those who chose themselves, contrary to the law, are disqualifying the lawful choice of the Knesset of Israel. The High Court is trampling the Knesset in a wildly anti-democratic manner that has already become routine. My most important mission in the next term will be a comprehensive judicial reform."

Likud MK Amit Halevi joined the criticism: "The High Court’s decision is unlawful and void. The decision is a crude intervention in the sovereignty of the Knesset, and no less seriously, in every person’s sovereignty over his actions and conduct — certainly when מדובר in an elected official who decided to make his vote public."

On the other side, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized the selection process. In his words, "Once again the country is in chaos. Once again the coalition has failed in managing the affairs of the state. Appointing the prime minister’s personal attorney to the role of state comptroller is a glaring failure. Disrupting the comptroller selection process is outright criminality. We will fix everything. We will restore professionalism, competence, and proper governance to every part of the Israeli government."

Opposition leader Yair Lapid also backed the High Court’s decision: "Our petition not only saved the honor of the Knesset, but also the institution of the state comptroller. We will continue to protect the rule of law and ensure that the State of Israel remains democratic."