State Comptroller-elect Michael Rabello addressed the High Court of Justice on Tuesday, asserting no legal grounds exist to annul his Knesset election victory, countering allegations that his appointment was compromised by political ties, conflicts of interest, or claims that coalition MKs improperly recorded votes.
Rabello, personal attorney to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, secured the state comptroller role on June 3 following a contentious Knesset vote. Initial results saw retired Supreme Court justice Yosef Elron receive 60 votes and Rabello 57, falling short of the required 61. A second round was convened after opposition MKs raised concerns about coalition members allegedly photographing their ballots instead of voting secretly.
Following the restart, Rabello won 61-57.
The ruling triggered High Court petitions aiming to invalidate the election and mandate a new vote.
In his legal filing through attorney Ofek Bruck, Rabello presented two core arguments: first, that he faces no personal barriers to serving as state comptroller, and second, that the voting process itself, despite procedural debates, did not breach law in a manner justifying judicial reversal.
Rabello Defends Election Integrity
Rabello contended that petitions attempting to block his appointment based on professional background misinterpret the law. He emphasized that the Knesset—not petitioners—holds the exclusive authority to select the state comptroller, and most MKs chose him despite full awareness of his background.
He underscored his nonpartisan career—over three decades as a private attorney representing diverse clients—and rejected suggestions of political motivations. “I accept this role with profound responsibility and commitment to all Israelis,” he stated, dismissing claims of dependence or misconduct.
Rabello acknowledged the comptroller’s required independence but argued existing safeguards—election by Knesset members, oath-taking before the Knesset, oversight by the State Control Committee, and strict restrictions on political activity—ensure accountability.
He also countered that prior roles as an attorney or MK do not disqualify candidates under Israeli law, as eligibility rules permit political figures to run provided they resign from the Knesset upon assuming office. Rabello stressed that a private attorney’s background should not automatically bar him from public service.
Regarding conflicts of interest, Rabello accepted potential concerns but proposed standard mitigation measures. He pledged to establish a published conflict-of-interest framework upon taking office, restricting his involvement in specific matters tied to personal interests while maintaining transparency.
On the voting process, Rabello noted his absence from the Knesset election and reliance on the Knesset legal adviser’s account of events.
Legal Requirements Upholded
Rabello reiterated that Israeli law mandates a secret ballot for the comptroller’s election but does not explicitly prohibit MKs from photographing their own votes. He argued the secrecy obligation belongs to voters, not a legal prohibition on documenting one’s own choice.
Citing Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana’s remarks during the vote—where Ohana confirmed coercive instructions would be “not valid”—Rabello maintained that the subsequent procedural correction (emptying ballot boxes and restarting the vote) validated the election’s integrity. He stressed that the opposition’s lack of objection during the restart undermined claims of unlawfulness.
The response argued petitions require concrete evidence—not speculative allegations—that MKs were pressured to document votes. Rabello also noted the Knesset legal adviser was informed by coalition officials that no such instruction was given.
Rabello warned that overturning the election would disrupt constitutional timelines, as the Knesset’s composition has shifted since the vote and the legal deadline to elect a new comptroller before the term’s end has passed.
The High Court is scheduled to rule on Rabello’s election this week. Petitioners also seek interim measures to halt his allegiance pledge and office entry pending a decision.
