Likud MKs Barred From Running in District Primaries as Court Upholds Party Ruling

The Supreme Court of Israel has declined to intervene in the Likud party's internal decision barring current and former Knesset members from running in district primaries. This ruling came after MK Afif Abed withdrew his petition challenging the party's decision, effectively ending the legal dispute. During the hearing, justices indicated they saw no grounds to override the Likud party court's ruling, which was previously upheld by the district court.

Justice Ofer Groskopf emphasized that the Likud party court is the proper authority to decide such internal matters and that its decision, which cited both constitutional and procedural issues, must be respected. The court noted that to justify intervention, a special reason is required, which was not present in this case.

The Likud party court had ruled that the recent change approved by the Likud convention, which allowed ministers and MKs to run in district slots, was invalid. This decision overturned a narrow vote at the party convention, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Haim Katz, which passed by only five votes. The court found the change violated the principle of equality within the party.

As a result, MKs and ministers who wish to run in district primaries must resign from the Knesset, potentially excluding many Likud MKs from the next Knesset following the primaries scheduled for August 17. The ruling solidifies the party's internal election rules and limits the participation of sitting lawmakers in district contests.

Summary: The Israeli Supreme Court refused to overturn the Likud party court's decision barring current and former MKs from running in district primaries, after MK Afif Abed withdrew his petition. This enforces the party's internal rules and affects the upcoming August 17 primaries.

Points: - Supreme Court declines to intervene in Likud's ban on MKs running in district primaries. - MK Afif Abed withdrew his petition challenging the party court's ruling. - Likud party court invalidated a recent convention decision allowing MKs to run in districts. - The ruling requires MKs to resign from the Knesset to run in district primaries. - The decision impacts many Likud MKs ahead of August 17 primaries. - Justice Groskopf stressed respecting the party court's authority on internal matters.

Topic: politics israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people":["Afif Abed","Benjamin Netanyahu","Haim Katz","Ofer Groskopf","Dafna Barak-Erez","Guy Busi"],"organizations":["Likud","Supreme Court of Israel","Likud party court","Knesset"],"places":["Israel"]}