Israeli Supreme Court Declines to Intervene in Likud Primaries, MKs Barred from District Runs

The Israeli Supreme Court has declined to intervene in a dispute over the Likud party primaries, effectively preventing current and former Knesset members from running in district slots. This decision came after Likud's internal court ruled that ministers and MKs cannot compete for district positions in the upcoming primaries scheduled for August 17, 2026. The ruling overturned a narrow party conference decision supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Haim Katz, which had allowed MKs to run in districts.

The legal challenge was withdrawn by MK Afif Abd, who had petitioned the Supreme Court after the party's internal court and the district court refused to overturn the ban. During the Supreme Court hearing, justices expressed reluctance to interfere in the party's internal affairs. Justice Daphne Barak-Erez urged the parties to resolve the dispute internally, while Justice Ofer Groskopf emphasized respecting the Likud party court's authority and noted the court found procedural and constitutional flaws in the party conference decision.

The Likud party court ruled that the change allowing MKs to run in district slots violated the party's constitution and the principle of equality. MKs wishing to run in districts must resign from the Knesset, which could result in many Likud MKs losing their seats in the upcoming primaries. The decision solidifies the party's internal rules and sets the stage for the primaries next week without MKs competing for district positions.