Levin, Ohana, Katz reportedly oppose new comptroller vote, defy High Court ruling

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz expressed opposition in closed consultations to holding a new vote for State Comptroller and supported non-compliance with a High Court ruling on the matter, according to journalist Michael Shemesh. Prime Minister Netanyahu, who participated in the talks, does not currently support new elections but is still discussing the issue.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz have expressed opposition in closed consultations to holding a new vote for State Comptroller and supported defying a High Court of Justice ruling on the matter, according to journalist Michael Shemesh. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who participated in the consultations, does not currently support new elections for the position but is still discussing the issue, Shemesh reported.

The report marks an escalation in the internal coalition debate over compliance with the High Court. As The Zioneer previously reported (July 2), opposition leader Yair Lapid said that if Netanyahu and Ohana do not hold a new vote, Yesh Atid would do so in the next Knesset. Earlier, on July 2, sources close to Netanyahu indicated he was leaning toward ordering compliance, with Shas chairman Aryeh Deri backing that course. The June 22 bulletin noted that Ohana had been leaning against a new vote but would wait for the court's ruling. The current report suggests senior coalition figures now favor open defiance of the court's expected directive, raising the prospect of a constitutional crisis during an election period.

The High Court of Justice earlier annulled the Knesset's initial vote for the position of State Comptroller. The court's final ruling on the matter is still pending.

3 developments

1. 1 hour ago · 20:10 · 5 JulLatest

   Levin, Ohana, and Katz reportedly oppose compliance with High Court ruling.

2. 17:14 · 5 Jul

   Deputy Minister Almog Cohen rejects High Court order for new vote.

3. 16:54 · 5 Jul

   MK Saada: High Court has no authority to order new comptroller vote

• Strong20:19 · 22 JunKnesset Speaker Ohana leans against new comptroller vote, will await High Court ruling
• Developing3 days ago · 17:09 · 2 JulLapid: if Netanyahu and Ohana don't hold new comptroller vote, we'll do it in next Knesset
• Strong3 days ago · 20:18 · 2 JulDeri backs Netanyahu's expected compliance with High Court ruling on comptroller vote
• Strong15:41 · 24 JunLikud and PM tell High Court Ravilo comptroller election was lawful, oppose cancelation

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