High Court rules Knesset must hold new election for state comptroller

The High Court of Justice ruled Thursday that the Knesset must hold a new vote for the position of state comptroller, annulling the previous selection. The ruling follows a petition that challenged the secrecy of the ballot, and makes the new election mandatory.

The High Court of Justice ruled Thursday at 16:26 Jerusalem that the Knesset must hold a new election for state comptroller, making the vote mandatory. The court had recommended a new vote on June 18, after a petition challenged the secrecy of the ballot, and gave the Knesset until Sunday, June 21, to respond. The Knesset did not respond. Thursday's ruling specifies that the previous vote was invalid due to lack of secrecy.

The Zioneer reported on June 18 that the court proposed a new vote and awaited a response by Sunday. On June 22, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana indicated he was leaning against a new vote and would wait for a final ruling. On July 1, the court froze the appointment and the Movement for Quality Government praised the step, saying the process was 'tainted.' The court's ruling today has been consistent across reports: first reported by N12's Amit Segal at 16:26, then by Avishai Grinzaig noting the coalition's dilemma, and the court specifying the lack of secrecy.

The ruling forces the coalition to choose between holding the vote now and recognizing the court's authority to intervene in Knesset proceedings, or refusing and risking a less favorable outcome in the next Knesset, as The Zioneer reported on June 18. Coalition MKs had criticized the court's intervention, with MK Boaz Bismuth calling it a 'dark moment' and MK Mati Tuchfeld calling it 'lunatic.'

It remains to be seen how the Knesset will respond to the mandatory ruling. The Knesset's failure to respond to the court's earlier recommendation drew the court's aggressive action, and the current ruling may escalate the confrontation between the branches.

7 developments

1. 4 hours ago · 16:41 · 2 JulLatest

   The High Court ruling to annul the vote was decided unanimously.

2. 16:38 · 2 Jul

   The court explicitly ruled that a new Knesset vote must be held

3. 16:38 · 2 Jul

   The court ruling makes a new Knesset election for the position mandatory.

• Strongyesterday · 13:14 · 1 JulHigh Court freezes state comptroller appointment; MK Tuchfeld blasts 'lunatic' ruling
• Developing2 hours ago · 18:17 · 2 JulWhat is expected to be decided about the new state comptroller vote
• Confirmed17:16 · 8 JunIsrael Bar Association petitions High Court to cancel state comptroller election
• Developingyesterday · 12:31 · 1 JulMovement for Quality Government welcomes Knesset vote annulment, urges new comptroller election

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