Legal Challenge Filed Over Controversial Likud Primaries Rule Change

A legal petition has been submitted to the Likud party's internal court challenging a newly approved rule for the upcoming primaries. The petition was filed by attorney Yair Gabay, a candidate in the Jerusalem district primaries, who opposes a clause allowing sitting Knesset members, ministers, and deputy ministers to run for seats reserved for specific electoral districts. This clause passed by a narrow margin of just five votes during the Likud convention and has sparked immediate controversy.

Gabay argues that the clause did not receive the required majority to amend the Likud constitution, rendering it invalid. He requests the party court to annul the decision and prevent its implementation in the forthcoming primaries. Additionally, Gabay claims the rule creates an unfair advantage for incumbent politicians, who benefit from public exposure, funding, and political connections, over new candidates competing for limited spots.

The petition is expected to trigger a series of legal proceedings within the party, focusing on whether the rule change was properly approved and if it can be applied in the next primaries. Until the Likud court issues a ruling, the dispute over the electoral districts and the future of new candidates in the party remains unresolved.