{
  "id": 1938749,
  "title": "Knesset Speaker Ohana says he's 'glad, proud' Likud defied High Court on repeating comptroller vote",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/knesset-speaker-ohana-says-hes-glad-proud-likud-defied-high-court-on",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T13:14:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-905994"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana expressed his gladness and pride in the Likud party's decision to defy the High Court of Justice's ruling to hold a repeat election for the state comptroller. The Likud coalition refused to comply with the court's order in a recording shared by KAN Reshet Bet. Ohana declared that this refusal marked a significant victory for the party, as they had successfully drawn a red line for the High Court.\n\nThe High Court ruled that the Knesset must hold a repeat election for the position of state comptroller. However, Ohana responded defiantly, stating that the ruling was issued without authority and contrary to the law. He declared that the Knesset had spoken and there would be no more elections for the comptroller position. Ohana emphasized that this was the first time a Knesset dared to defy the Supreme Court, which he and his office found quite remarkable.\n\nThe comptroller role remains vacant following the \"Selfiegate\" scandal. In July, the High Court ordered a repeat Knesset vote for the state comptroller position after declaring attorney Michael Rabello's election invalid due to photos revealing the secrecy breach. The Knesset has yet to hold another election, leaving the country without a state comptroller. Former comptroller Matanyahu Englman's term is set to end, further exacerbating the situation.\n\nDespite the High Court's ruling, the Likud party chose to stand firm and resist the court's directive. Ohana's office commented on the matter, expressing their satisfaction with the Knesset's consistent position of not yielding to external pressures.",
  "summary": "When inquired by KAN, Ohana's office responded: \"It is unclear to us what is new about the Knesset speaker's consistent position that the Knesset will not meekly accept being trampled.\"",
  "key_points": [
    "Knesset Speaker Ohana expresses gladness and pride in Likud's defiance of High Court ruling.",
    "Likud coalition refuses to comply with court's order to hold repeat election for state comptroller.",
    "Ohana declares High Court ruling without authority and contrary to law."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "High Court acquits lorry driver of drug trafficking and possession charges",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/high-court-acquits-lorry-driver-of-drug-trafficking-and-possession",
        "published": "2026-08-19T13:32:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}