Jerusalem, 4 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Attorney Michael Rabello, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s chosen candidate for state comptroller, decided on Wednesday not to seek the position again, according to Israeli media.
Rabello’s decision comes as the Knesset prepares to address the High Court’s ruling requiring a new election for the watchdog position. The court overturned Rabello’s previous election after finding that violations of ballot secrecy had compromised the vote. Rabello had been elected in June, defeating retired Supreme Court Justice Yosef Elron in a second round of voting.
The controversy erupted after coalition lawmakers reportedly filmed themselves voting for Rabello, raising concerns that the secret ballot requirement had been violated.
The State Comptroller’s position has remained unfilled since Matanyahu Englman’s term ended. The Knesset must now determine how to proceed with the renewed selection process and whether additional candidates will be permitted to enter the race.
