Full Breakdown
Alleged Vote-Recording Directive Triggers Legal Probe and Political Fallout
8/5/2026, 3:54:53 PM
Alleged Vote-Recording Directive and Legal Probe
On August 2, 2026, Israel First party chair MK Sharren Haskel testified before the Lahav 433 major-crimes unit, alleging that members of the New Hope-United Right faction were instructed to film themselves casting ballots for Michael Rabello in the June state comptroller election and to show the footage to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Haskel said the order originated from New Hope MK Michel Buskila, the party whip, according to a source cited by Kan. The affidavit was filed after the High Court of Justice had already invalidated Rabello’s election.
Background: Comptroller Election and Court Ruling
The High Court ruled that the June vote violated the legal requirement for a secret ballot after at least six coalition MKs recorded their votes. The court ordered a new election, but Justice Minister Yariv Levin urged the Knesset not to comply, and no repeat vote has been held. Michael Rabello declined to assume the comptroller post in light of the ruling, leaving the position vacant.
Official Responses
New Hope MK and Minister Ze’ev Elkin also denied receiving such instructions in a recent interview. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara instructed police to investigate the conflicting affidavits and consider a criminal perjury probe.
Political Fallout for Sharren Haskel
Earlier, Haskel resigned as deputy foreign minister and left the government after the Knesset passed a law banning the arrest and prosecution of Haredi draft-dodgers. She has since launched the Israel First party and petitioned the High Court to compel New Hope and Likud to complete their merger, arguing that the unfinished process blocks her from forming a one-member faction and retaining state funding attached to her seat.
Data & Statistics
- At least six coalition MKs recorded their votes in the June comptroller election.
- Haskel’s testimony to Lahav 433 occurred on August 2, 2026.
- The High Court’s invalidation triggered a requirement for a new vote, which has not been scheduled.
