Foreign Minister denies Likud pressure over state comptroller vote as ‘provocation’

Israel’s Foreign Minister, who chaired the New Hope faction during the parliamentary vote on the state comptroller, has submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court rejecting allegations of improper conduct. The minister denied that the Likud party had made any demands of New Hope members regarding their voting behaviour on the appointment of the state comptroller, a key government oversight position.

In his court filing, the minister stated that he had made clear to faction members they were not required to film themselves casting their votes, and claimed that no member had submitted any such footage. His comments appear to address concerns that the ruling coalition may have pressured or monitored members to ensure their support for a particular candidate.

The state comptroller, who serves as Israel’s government watchdog with broad powers to investigate public bodies and officials, requires Knesset approval for appointment. The controversy surrounding the recent vote suggests tensions within the governing coalition over how members should conduct themselves during such significant parliamentary decisions.

The submission of an affidavit to the Supreme Court indicates the matter has become a legal issue, with the court potentially reviewing whether proper procedures were followed during the voting process and whether any coalition members faced improper pressure or surveillance.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.