Likud Reaches Compromise on Primary Rules Potentially Reshaping Party List

A significant compromise has been reached between the Likud party and the Social Forum, which had filed a petition against the approval process of the party's primary election regulations. Central to the agreement is a change preventing incumbent Knesset members from running for reserved district seats, aiming to open these positions to non-incumbent candidates. Additionally, the mechanism for reserving spots for women on the Likud list will be expanded, though the exact number and placement of these reserved seats remain unspecified. Sources familiar with the deal suggest this expansion could help Knesset member Eti Atiya secure a realistic position on the upcoming Likud list, though this is not a final ruling by the party's court.

The dispute over the primary regulations had previously disrupted the voting at the Likud convention and delayed the party's internal election process. The Likud Supreme Court convened on Monday night to review the compromise, and initial indications suggest it is inclined to approve the agreement, though no final decision has been made. If approved, the Likud convention is expected to resume voting on the primary regulations, potentially resolving the internal crisis over the party's candidate selection process.