Israel Supreme Court judges selection debate intensifies as Knesset rejects repeat vote for State Comptroller

Supreme Court Judge Yitzhak Amit warned that the proposed amendment to the Basic Law on the Judiciary could embed political bias in the selection of Supreme Court justices, saying judges may end up with “a political chip on their forehead.” He urged a long‑term view, arguing the law could fill the court with politically appointed judges over the next 15 years and threaten judicial independence.

Meanwhile, the Knesset voted to reject a Supreme Court‑proposed repeat election for the State Comptroller, Michael Raviv. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana declared “the Knesset has said its word,” ending a proposal that aimed to address concerns over voting secrecy and a potential conflict of interest involving Raviv, who previously represented the Prime Minister. The dispute is set to return to the court for final resolution.