Likud Court Ruling Reshapes Primary Race, Favoring New Candidates Over Incumbents

The Likud party's court decision published on Tuesday prohibits current and former Knesset members, ministers, and deputy ministers from running in regional primaries. This ruling is set to significantly alter the power dynamics ahead of the party's primaries, creating clear winners and losers.

Among the main losers is Minister Haim Katz, who had planned to run his close ally, MK Eti Atiya, in a regional district. Due to the ruling, Atiya must now compete on the national list, where her chances of securing a realistic spot are much lower. MK Osher Shekalim also loses out, as he had considered running in a district where he believed he could defeat rivals but now must run on the national list. MK Keti Shitrit, previously seen as a strong contender to win the Jerusalem district, is similarly affected. MK Eliyahu Revivo, who was weighing runs in the Shephelah or Jerusalem districts, will also have to switch to the national list.

On the other hand, the ruling benefits new candidates in the districts who no longer have to compete against sitting Knesset members. Notable beneficiaries include Jerusalem district chairman Aryeh King, who is running in Jerusalem, and Shomron Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, if he decides to run in the Shomron district, along with other veteran activists who now face a more open field.

The biggest political winner is MK David Bitan, a leading figure opposing incumbents running in districts. The court's decision aligns with his stance and deals a political blow to Haim Katz's camp, which had pushed for the opposite approach.