Likud Constitution Committee Hosts Surprising Visit Amid Primary System Debate

A notable visit occurred during the Likud Constitution Committee meeting on Sunday, as Deputy Minister Almog Cohen met with Prime Minister and Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting took place while the committee was discussing proposed changes to the party's primary election system and reserved slots on the party list for the 26th Knesset elections. When asked if his visit was related to a possible reserved spot or even switching parties, Cohen neither confirmed nor denied, responding cryptically, "Only God knows."

The committee session began after a delay of an hour and a half and was chaired by Constitution Committee head, Minister Haim Katz, with Netanyahu present. Earlier that day, the Likud party court ruled that no new proposals beyond those approved in the previous discussion could be introduced for voting. This decision blocked Netanyahu's updated proposal to expand the national list and reduce reserved slots, as well as his suggestion to establish an organizing committee in case of an exceptional security situation.

Instead, the court appears inclined to allow electronic voting if the security situation demands it. Cohen's unexpected attendance and his ambiguous remarks about his political future became one of the most intriguing aspects of the meeting, raising speculation about potential shifts within the party. The discussions and decisions at this meeting are critical as Likud prepares its candidate list for the upcoming elections amid ongoing internal debates.