Rabello pulls out of race for state comptroller months after disputed Knesset vote

Michael Rabello has withdrawn his candidacy for the position of state comptroller, Hebrew media reported on Wednesday, months after the High Court of Justice froze his appointment over concerns that the Knesset vote in which he was elected was conducted improperly.

Rabello, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's former personal lawyer, was elected to the watchdog role by the Knesset on June 3. Netanyahu had backed him against the other candidate, former Supreme Court justice Yosef Elron.

The vote drew heavy controversy after at least six coalition lawmakers violated the legal requirement that the ballot be held in secret by filming their ballot selections. Opposition parties and government watchdog groups alleged the filming was done on the instructions of senior Likud officials, so the lawmakers could prove they voted in line with their party's position.

The High Court of Justice subsequently ruled that the Knesset must hold a new election for the state comptroller position. Justice Minister Yariv Levin called on the Knesset not to abide by the ruling, and no repeat election has been held.

Rabello, for his part, had refused to take up the position in light of the High Court ruling, leaving the post unfilled.

On Tuesday, the High Court sharply criticized Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana for refusing to hold a new election despite the court order, saying his conduct undermined democratic governance and harmed both the rule of law and the public interest.

Rabello's decision to withdraw was first reported by Channel 12, which did not elaborate on the reasons behind the move.

The outlet noted, however, that the withdrawal comes in the wake of last week's election, which left Netanyahu's bloc without a parliamentary majority in the incoming Knesset. Opposition parties have said they will prioritize holding a new election for comptroller once the new Knesset is sworn in next week.

Channel 12 added that with Rabello out of the contest, candidates other than Elron were being considered for the nomination.