Michael Rabello Elected as Israel’s State Comptroller Amid Controversy
Michael Rabello, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-time legal adviser, was elected as Israel’s state comptroller on June 3, 2026, amid allegations of irregularities and conflicts of interest, according to The Times of Israel. The election, conducted by Knesset members (MKs), faced immediate scrutiny after multiple Likud MKs reportedly filmed or photographed their votes for Rabello, violating the requirement for a secret ballot under Basic Law: The State Comptroller.
What is the Role of the State Comptroller?
The state comptroller, established by Basic Law: The State Comptroller (1988) and the State Comptroller Law (1958), oversees government ministries, agencies, and political parties, auditing their legality, effectiveness, and financial practices. The office has no enforcement power but can issue fines for campaign finance violations and demand documentation from state bodies. Outgoing comptroller Matanyahu Englman, who served six years, investigated issues ranging from cybersecurity preparedness to corruption in local governments, including a controversial review of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
Controversies Surrounding Rabello’s Election
Rabello’s election followed a contentious process. He initially lost the first round to retired Supreme Court judge Yosef Elron 60-57 but won a second vote 61-57 after Likud officials allegedly instructed MKs to publicly document their votes. Petitions to the High Court of Justice, including one from Elron, argued that the public recording of votes violated the secret ballot requirement, undermining the independence of the comptroller. Knesset Legal Adviser Sagit Afik defended the process, stating no evidence proved MKs were ordered to record their votes, though she acknowledged the lack of phone bans at polling stations. A High Court hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Why Did Netanyahu Back Rabello?
Netanyahu’s strong support for Rabello stems from the comptroller’s authority over political financing and government audits. Rabello, a 30-year attorney who has represented Netanyahu and the Likud in multiple court cases, could influence investigations into the prime minister’s $2 million loan from real estate mogul Spencer Partrich. However, Rabello must sign a conflict of interest agreement, which experts say would likely bar him from handling Likud finances or Netanyahu’s loan repayment terms. Prof. Yoram Rabin, a former legal adviser to the comptroller, noted that the office’s power lies in its ability to set audit priorities,
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