Likud Primaries Set for Heated Contest Between MK Afif Abd and Former Minister Ayoub Kara

MK Afif Abd announced his candidacy for the Likud primaries representing the Galilee and Valleys district. He called on all Likud members in the region, including Jews, Druze, and others, to support him, emphasizing his long-standing partnership with the area's residents and his commitment to continue representing the district in the Knesset.

However, Abd's announcement may ignite a direct competition with former Communications Minister Ayoub Kara, who might also run in the primaries. The two could clash over the reserved slot for a non-Jewish candidate on the Likud list, a position that carries significant weight for both politicians.

This rivalry is not new. In the 2022 primaries, Kara initially won the minority slot, but following a petition by Abd, the Likud court ruled that Kara was ineligible due to party constitutional rules related to his status as a former MK during the relevant period. Consequently, Abd was placed as the non-Jewish candidate on the Likud list.

The current situation differs as Abd is now an incumbent MK, and Kara may qualify to contest the reserved slot if he meets the party's constitutional criteria. If neither secures a realistic spot independently, they could face off directly for the minority representation guarantee, making this one of the most intriguing battles in the upcoming Likud primaries.