Likud Court Approves Defense Minister Israel Katz’s Reserved Spot on Party List Despite Controversy

The Likud party court ruled on Wednesday to approve Defense Minister Israel Katz’s reserved position on the party’s list for the upcoming Knesset elections. The court dismissed petitions challenging the move, affirming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s authority to reserve Katz’s spot before the primaries took place. The decision stated that Netanyahu, as party chairman, is authorized under the election regulations to select Katz for one of the eight reserved slots without waiting for primary results.

Netanyahu announced late Tuesday night his intention to secure reserved spots for Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Likud Central Committee Chairman MK Haim Katz on the party list. This announcement came amid intense internal competition for list positions. Following a petition by Likud activist Aviad Visoli alleging conflicts of interest and improper political bargaining, since Katz also chairs the party secretariat, the Likud court initially issued an interim injunction halting the vote on Katz’s reservation pending further review.

Visoli argued that Katz’s reserved spot should count against Netanyahu’s quota and that Katz’s dual role created a conflict of interest. Despite the court’s final approval, internal criticism within Likud accused Katz of pressuring Netanyahu and leveraging his position to secure the reservation. Katz continued campaigning during the primaries, including controversial appearances at events that sparked party debate.

MK Tali Gottlieb publicly opposed Katz’s reservation, calling it a "disgraceful move" that mocks Likud voters and urged the party court to reconsider. She highlighted Katz’s recent participation in private events and questioned the secrecy surrounding the decision. The court’s ruling clears the way for Katz’s inclusion on the Likud list, but internal party tensions remain high as the primaries proceed.