Likud Court Orders Primary Vote by July 21, Favoring Netanyahu's Proposal

After months of political drama surrounding the Likud party primaries, the Likud court ruled that the vote on changing the primary election system must open no later than Tuesday, July 21, at 12:00 PM. The court decided the vote will proceed using the previously published ballot forms for party delegates, annulling an interim decision regarding the ballot wording and accompanying notice. Delegates will vote separately on the party constitution and on the clause concerning whether current or former Knesset members and ministers can run in specific districts.

The court emphasized that no changes to the proposed constitution or ballot forms are allowed at this stage, as the voting process has already begun, and any alteration now would constitute "changing the rules mid-game." Furthermore, if Prime Minister and party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal is rejected, an alternative proposal by attorney Twito from the National Labor Federation will be put to a vote by July 26, following updates presented during the hearing.

Regarding the district map, the court criticized the current division, noting difficulties such as the merging of Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the Shephelah into a single district. However, the Constitution Committee is permitted to make adjustments only to prevent distortions, without relocating district boundaries. The court also recommended reviewing the placement of the Haifa district to ensure it is not disadvantaged compared to the previous arrangement.

This ruling is seen as advantageous to Netanyahu, who has been pushing for these changes amid internal party conflicts. The decision sets a clear timeline and framework for the upcoming primary vote, which will shape the Likud party's candidate selection process ahead of future elections.