Knesset member confirms coalition MKs were pressured to film comptroller votes – report

An anonymous Knesset member confirms reports that coalition members were pressured to document their votes in today’s Knesset vote for state comptroller, Channel 12 reports.

The MK says lawmakers faced “tremendous pressure” to back Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s preferred candidate, attorney Michael Rabello, and were asked to film themselves casting their ballots to prove their support.

According to the report, a senior coalition figure close to Netanyahu told lawmakers that sending proof of their vote would “make the prime minister happy” and was important for “the dignity of the prime minister and the coalition.”

At least one coalition MK who had initially voted for Rabello’s rival, retired Supreme Court justice Yosef Elron, is said to have changed their vote after being pressured to provide video evidence.

The allegations have prompted opposition calls to invalidate the vote and plans to petition the High Court of Justice.