Netanyahu Wins Likud Committee Vote to Change Party Primary System

The Likud Constitution Committee, chaired by Likud Central Committee head Minister Haim Katz and attended by party leader and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, approved a temporary order to change the party's primary election system on Sunday evening. Netanyahu's proposal, which includes eight reserved slots for the party leader, passed by a majority after discussions on various alternatives regarding election methods, districts, and reserved slots ahead of the upcoming elections.

According to the approved decision, the placement of districts on the Likud list may change based on the number of eligible voters determined in the official voter registry, expected to be published on July 26. It was also decided that the reserved slots for the party leader do not require further approval. Additionally, ministers, deputy ministers, and current Knesset members will be barred from running in the districts, except in the non-Jewish sector district.

Regarding women's representation, the leader's reserved slots will not cancel the guaranteed representation mechanism. However, if only two women are elected by the 14th place, the representation guarantee will be canceled only at the 10th place. The proposal also includes a special clause for cases of security escalation or war. If a special situation is declared in the home front that limits gatherings between the decision approval and the primaries, Netanyahu may decide to switch to a "scheduling committee" as proposed by Dada Even Tzur. This committee will consist of five mayors appointed by the party leader, who will recommend list placements, with the final decision resting with Netanyahu.

Likud is expected to publish the full proposal soon, including district locations, names, and the final reserved slots arrangement.