Israeli Supreme Court Hears Key Case That Could Decide Likud Primaries Fate

The Israeli Supreme Court began hearing petitions on Wednesday evening that could determine the fate of the Likud party primaries scheduled for next week. The petitions challenge whether sitting Knesset members, ministers, and deputy ministers can run in district and sector slots, a change approved by the Likud Central Committee in July but contested by some party members. The court's decision will affect not only which candidates can run but also whether the primaries will proceed at all.

Lawyer Ilan Bombach, representing the party, warned that any delay in the court's ruling could force a two-week postponement of the primaries, making it nearly impossible to hold them before the September 8 deadline for submitting candidate lists to the Central Elections Committee. The court advanced the hearing to 9 p.m. to allow for a quicker decision, but no ruling is expected immediately. The Likud leadership awaits clarity to begin logistical preparations for the primaries, which involve 90 polling stations and about 140,000 eligible voters.

The legal dispute centers on a July 13 Likud Central Committee decision that allowed incumbent Knesset members and ministers to compete in district and sector slots traditionally reserved for new candidates. This change was part of a broader effort to secure eight reserved spots for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the party list. The decision passed narrowly, with only a six-vote margin, sparking internal opposition and legal challenges.

The petitions were filed by MK Afif Abed and others who argue the changes undermine the chances of new candidates and violate party rules. The case has escalated from internal party disputes to the judiciary, reflecting the high stakes involved in shaping the Likud's candidate list ahead of the 2026 elections. The Supreme Court's ruling will determine the rules for candidate eligibility and the feasibility of holding the primaries as planned on August 14.