Likud Court Bars Sitting MKs From Running in District Slots Without Resignation

The Likud party's internal court overturned a recent decision allowing sitting ministers, deputy ministers, and members of the Knesset to run for reserved district slots in the upcoming primaries without resigning from the Knesset. The court ruled that the amendment to the primary regulations was improperly approved and violated the principle of equality. This ruling significantly impacts incumbent Likud MKs who had supported Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reserved slots, expecting to compete in district races while retaining their parliamentary seats. Many of these MKs may now be forced to leave the Knesset if they wish to run.

Additionally, the court canceled the decision to reserve the 35th spot on the list for female representation. It also ruled against splitting the Jerusalem-Shfela-West Bank district and confirmed that the placement of the Haifa-North district slot would remain unchanged. The deadline for submitting primary candidacies has been extended by 48 hours.

Previously, the party conference had approved a primary regulation package, including granting Netanyahu eight reserved slots on the Knesset list, mostly in realistic positions (5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 23, 26, and 29), despite opposition from one-third of the party's central committee. This vote followed weeks of delays, disputes, and confrontations within the party. The regulation was approved by 73% of the party conference members voting across 16 locations nationwide.