First Legal Challenge Filed Against Likud Vote Allowing Ministers to Run in Districts

A legal petition has been filed with the Likud party's internal court challenging the approval of a controversial clause allowing ministers and Knesset members to run in specific districts in the upcoming party primaries. The petition, submitted by prominent Jerusalem district candidate Attorney Yair Gabay, argues that the clause was approved by a narrow margin of only five votes, failing to meet the party constitution's requirement of a two-thirds majority for such changes. Gabay contends that the clause creates inequality among candidates by giving incumbents access to significant public resources, including state budgets, offices, and paid staff, which other candidates do not have.

This petition is the first of many expected to be submitted in the coming days, particularly from candidates and activists aligned with MK David Bitan, who opposed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposals. The disputed clause was part of three proposals Netanyahu presented to the Likud Central Committee, all of which were approved, though the clause permitting ministers to run in districts passed by the slimmest margin. The other two clauses, concerning the primary regulations and additional reserved spots on the party list, received overwhelming support.

The Likud Central Committee's vote took place recently, with the contentious clause sparking significant debate. Gabay expressed confidence that the clause will ultimately be overturned. The legal challenges are expected to influence the structure and fairness of the upcoming Likud primaries, which will determine the party's candidate list for the next Knesset elections.