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

By חדשות סרוגים

Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba

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The Likud party court ordered the primary election vote to begin by July 21 using existing ballot forms, favoring Prime Minister Netanyahu's proposal. Delegates will vote separately on constitutional changes and candidate eligibility rules. If Netanyahu's plan is rejected, an alternative will be voted on by July 26. The court criticized the current district map but allowed limited adjustments to prevent distortions.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Likud court mandates primary vote start by July 21 using existing ballots.
Delegates to vote separately on constitution and candidate eligibility clauses.
No changes allowed to constitution or ballots during ongoing voting process.
If Netanyahu's proposal fails, alternative vote set for July 26.
Court criticized current district map but permits minor corrections only.
Haifa district placement to be reviewed to avoid disadvantage.

Likud Court Orders Primary Vote by July 21, Favoring Netanyahu's Proposal — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

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.

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