Likud Supreme Court Ruling Forces Half of Incumbent MKs Out Ahead of Primaries

The Likud party's internal Supreme Court has overturned a key decision by the party convention, ruling that ministers, Knesset members, and deputy ministers cannot run in regional districts but only on the national list. This reversal cancels a major move by the party leadership and significantly alters the upcoming primaries' dynamics. As a result, dozens of incumbent MKs lose their 'escape route' to regional seats and must compete directly on the national list against ministers, fellow MKs, and new candidates, making the race one of the most crowded in Likud's history.

Yossi Ben Atar, a Likud court insider, explained the rationale behind the decision in an interview with 103FM. Amir Ettinger, a Knesset correspondent for Yedioth Ahronoth and Ynet, warned that the consequences will be dramatic. He predicted that "we will see half of them going home," referring to the number of MKs likely to lose their seats. Ettinger estimated that at least 15 Likud MKs will fail to secure a spot in the next Knesset, even if adjustments are made through reserved slots or withdrawals.

This ruling intensifies the internal power struggle within Likud as the primaries approach, with many sitting MKs facing the real possibility of losing their parliamentary positions. The party now braces for a highly competitive and uncertain primary season.