Likud Supreme Court Blocks Incumbents From Running in District Primaries, Sparking Party Turmoil

In a significant ruling overnight between Monday and Tuesday, the Likud party's Supreme Court overturned a recent party conference decision by a 4-1 majority, barring current and former Knesset members, ministers, and deputy ministers from running in district primaries. This move halted a controversial change pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud's Constitution Committee chairman, Minister Haim Katz, which had narrowly passed by just five votes at the conference. The court ruled that the amendment fundamentally altered Likud's constitution and was passed with serious procedural flaws.

Currently, 36 Likud MKs and ministers (excluding Netanyahu) serve in the Knesset, some appointed under the Norwegian Law. Netanyahu secured eight reserved slots on the party list as compensation for the party, which included the disputed district candidacy clause aimed at giving incumbents a chance to run in geographic districts rather than a crowded national list. With the clause invalidated, the party faces a fierce internal battle for roughly 16 realistic spots on the national list, given current polls projecting about 23 seats and six of Netanyahu's reserved slots within the top 23.

Incumbents theoretically could resign their posts to run in districts but would lose primary funding and weaken their party standing. Even if Likud improves to 30 seats, some district slots remain reserved and inaccessible to sitting MKs. This situation has created intense competition among ministers and MKs, including notable figures such as Yariv Levin, Eli Cohen, Miri Regev, Israel Katz, and others.

Political tensions are high, with a canceled cabinet meeting on Gaza due to ministers' complaints about primary activities. Netanyahu has promised some reserved slots to allies like Haim Katz and Gideon Sa'ar, with speculation about others receiving reserved spots. Likudnik editor Arik Ziv described the situation as unprecedented pressure on incumbents due to an inflated number of national list candidates caused by the Norwegian Law.

Critics like Likud Central Committee member Dor Harlap, who challenged the court ruling, argue the district candidacy clause was a political maneuver benefiting Katz and his ally MK Eti Atiya, including a controversial merger of Tel Aviv and Dan districts to boost voter numbers. Harlap also highlighted the unfair advantage incumbents have over grassroots candidates due to resources and presence.

With the primaries scheduled for August 17, the party faces a tense and competitive contest between incumbents fighting for survival on the national list and grassroots candidates backed by the court ruling, setting the stage for one of Likud's most contentious primary battles in recent years.