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State Comptroller

Attorney Michael Rabello, elected by MKs as state comptroller on June 3, 2026, seen at the Knesset on June 1, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
June 8, 2026, 4:05 am
Updated bill on Oct. 7 probe allows new comptroller to fill spots boycotted by opposition
Michael Rabello, Netanyahu’s former lawyer who argued before High Court against a state commission of inquiry, set to shape politically appointed investigation into massacre – if he keeps the job
By ToI Staff
Minister for Social Equality and the Advancement of Women May Golan (left) votes for state comptroller, as MK Galit Distel Atbaryan takes a photo, at the plenum of the Knesset in Jerusalem, June 3, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
June 6, 2026, 8:02 pm
Source close to Netanyahu admits MKs were told to film their comptroller votes — report
In recording aired on TV, source says ‘directive’ to record votes was the ‘only way’ PM’s personal lawyer won ballot, conflicting with Likud MK’s claim they were given free choice
By ToI Staff
Left: Michael Rabello attends a hearing on a petition demanding the formation of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, April 23, 2026 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90); Right: Knesset Legal Adviser Sagit Afik at a committee meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem on, December 1, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
June 5, 2026, 10:19 am
Knesset legal adviser upholds comptroller vote, says opposition hadn’t opposed ballot-filming
Petition has urged High Court to strike down election of PM’s lawyer Rabello to independent watchdog post, because Likud MKs were reportedly told to document themselves voting for him; Sagit Afik is unconvinced
By ToI Staff and Ariela Karmel
Members of the Knesset during the state comptroller elections, the Knesset plenum, Jerusalem, June 3, 2026. (Oren Ben Hakoon/Flash90)
June 4, 2026, 2:34 pm
High Court petition filed over state comptroller election after coalition MKs filmed their votes
Watchdog argues secret ballot necessary to safeguard lawmakers’ freedom to vote, in order to preserve status of state comptroller as independent and impartial oversight authority
By Jeremy Sharon
Left-to-right: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu votes for the next state comptroller at the Knesset, June 3, 2026 (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90); Attorney Michael Rabello, elected by MKs as State Comptroller on June 3, 2026, seen at the Knesset on June 1, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90); Likud Knesset Faction Secretary Aliza Barashi surrounded by MKs and Knesset officials during the chaotic vote to elect a new state comptroller, June 3, 2026. (Oren Ben Hakoon/Flash90)
June 3, 2026, 9:06 pm
Netanyahu forces through election of his lawyer as state comptroller amid tainted vote
Michael Rabello wins 61-57 after vote rerun triggered by claims Likud MKs were told to film ballots to prove loyalty; opposition vows High Court petition to overturn ‘illegal, mafia-style’ process
By Ariela Karmel
State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman attends a State Control Committee meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem, May 12, 2025. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
June 2, 2026, 4:15 pm
Ombudsman penalizes Likud, Labor for irregularities in their financial reports for 2024
State comptroller says ruling party has inadequate oversight over membership fees; report finds 10 current parties and 9 defunct parties owe the state a total of some $45 million
By Michael Bachner
Attorney Michael Rabello at a hearing on the dismissal of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir at the High Court of Justice in Jerusalem, April 15, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
May 20, 2026, 10:52 pm
Coalition nominates Netanyahu’s lawyer as next state comptroller
Likud lawmakers said to face pressure from PM to back Michael Rabello in June 3 secret-ballot vote, despite support among some for opposition pick, retired justice Yosef Elron
By Ariela Karmel and Sam Sokol
Mourners gather next to the grave of Ahmad al-Naami, a 50-year-old man killed by Border Police gunfire, during his funeral on May 10, 2026. (Charlie Summers/Times of Israel)
May 19, 2026, 10:30 pm
Mourning IDF veteran slain by police, alienated Bedouin say community souring on state
A once positive relationship between community and cops has been replaced by deep distrust of Border Police, with younger Bedouin showing signs of deepening estrangement from Jewish state amid claims of worsening discrimination
By Charlie Summers
High Court justices sit for a hearing on the state comptroller’s probes into the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre, in Jerusalem, May 10, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
May 10, 2026, 5:19 pm
High Court judges challenge comptroller’s authority, competence to probe Oct. 7
In outburst, bereaved parents at hearing accuse judges of responsibility for October 7 invasion; state comptroller says probe crucial for office’s independence, Israeli democracy
By Jeremy Sharon
Israeli lawmakers listen to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Knesset in Jerusalem during Modi’s official visit to Israel on February 25, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
May 5, 2026, 9:32 pm
State comptroller says government bloated, inefficient, with widespread dysfunction
Audit finds too many ministries, constant reshuffles have disrupted governance, weakened services, contributed to failure to rehabilitate northern Israel
By Ariela Karmel
National Guard fighters and other Border Police forces stand at the entrance to the Bedouin town of Tarabin al-Sana, which has been closed off with cinderblocks, on December 31, 2025. (Charlie Summers/Times of Israel)
April 28, 2026, 11:09 pm
Crime rampant in the Negev, police understaffed, governance broken down — comptroller
Englman also finds protection rackets rampant, lawlessness on the roads; tells Netanyahu he needs to step in; Ben Gvir, the police minister, calls report ‘twisted’
By Charlie Summers and Sam Sokol
Cliff collapse at Sidna Ali Beach in Herzliya, February 21, 2026. (Assaf Nissenbaum/Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
February 26, 2026, 5:48 am
The way the kurkar crumbles? As deteriorating cliffs pose a danger, politics bogs down repairs
After part of a coastal rock face collapses in Herzliya, those tasked with protecting these ridges call for cash – and a single coordinating body to help them get the job done
By Sue Surkes
Illustrative: Israeli evacuees from the Gaza border area get temporary shelter at a hotel in Eilat, October 17, 2023. (Aris MESSINIS / AFP)
February 24, 2026, 5:20 pm
‘Total disorder’: Comptroller accuses government, IDF of ‘systemic failure’ in post-Oct. 7 evacuations
Report finds gaps in preparedness, lack of up-to-date plan, shirking of ministry responsibility for 210,000 evacuees; Defense Ministry says response was coordinated despite challenges
By Stav Levaton
State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman at the annual Jerusalem Conference of the 'Besheva' group in Jerusalem, February 16, 2026. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
February 19, 2026, 9:21 pm
State comptroller: Public given only ‘partial picture’ of Oct. 7 responsibility
Responding to High Court order freezing his probe, Matanyahu Englman pans ‘improper conduct’ of officials, in apparent hint at Netanyahu’s circulation of document on investigation
By Jeremy Sharon
The Tamar offshore natural gas platform. (Delek Drilling)
February 17, 2026, 6:24 pm
State report finds Israel unprepared to ensure gas keeps flowing during emergencies
State comptroller appears to urge government to rethink decision to close Haifa refinery, but office claims it is just seeking to guarantee energy supplies when missiles fly
By Sue Surkes
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