At Least 14 Likud MKs and Ministers Face Exclusion from Next Knesset After Primary Rules Change

The Likud party's Constitution Committee approved new primary election rules significantly reducing the number of realistic spots on the party's national list for incumbent MKs and ministers. Under the new system, only 23 places on the national list are considered viable according to recent polls, while 37 current MKs and ministers are seeking reelection. This means at least 14 sitting members are expected to be excluded from the next Knesset.

The reduction stems from maintaining the party's district-based representation and reserved slots for groups such as women, youth, and minorities. Many of these reserved spots are allocated to non-incumbents from various districts, pushing veteran MKs and ministers to compete for fewer top list positions. This has created intense internal pressure and is described by party sources as an unprecedented political survival battle.

During the committee meeting, some members proposed increasing the number of national list spots at the expense of district allocations, but this was rejected. The new rules also complicate matters for "Norwegian Law" ministers who resigned their Knesset seats to allow others to enter, as they must now compete against their replacements for list positions.

With the primary election date yet to be set, the party is bracing for a fierce internal contest. Prominent MKs and ministers will need to mobilize strong support among party members to secure their place in the upcoming Knesset. The changes have already intensified factional struggles within Likud as members vie for survival in the next parliamentary term.