Likud Court President Admits Helping Netanyahu Bypass Party Rules on Candidate Exemptions

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu surprised many Likud members early Tuesday morning by announcing exemptions from primary elections for Defense Minister Israel Katz and Likud Central Committee Chairman Haim Katz. This move came just a day after Haim Katz released a new campaign video, raising questions about the sudden change. One of the few insiders aware of the secret deal was Michael Kleiner, former Knesset member and president of the Likud party court, who confirmed his involvement despite his often oppositional stance toward Netanyahu.

Netanyahu sent a confidential letter to the party court the previous Tuesday, requesting to keep it hidden from party members, including those opposing the exemptions. In the letter, Netanyahu cited the complex security situation as justification for reserving a spot for Israel Katz in the top six of the Likud list for the 26th Knesset. The request was honored, but the announcement was delayed until Netanyahu publicly declared the exemptions a week later, shortly after announcing a similar exemption for businessman Oren Dobronski.

Kleiner explained that the Likud legal advisor, Ilan Bombach, recommended Katz’s exemption due to special security reasons that prevented him from running a normal primary campaign. Despite this, Katz continued active campaigning until the official announcement, which Kleiner attributed to Katz only accepting the decision as final once it was public. Kleiner supported the exemption, arguing that Katz’s political activity during a sensitive period could harm public perception and the party’s image.

Regarding Haim Katz’s exemption, Kleiner expressed support, emphasizing his preference for party insiders over external candidates. He noted that while Israel Katz would likely have secured a high list position without exemption, Haim Katz might not have. Kleiner also revealed his opposition to Netanyahu’s attempt to appoint a selection committee to determine the Likud list, which was ultimately blocked.

Kleiner, who has led the Likud court for 13 years, acknowledged tensions with Netanyahu but stressed his role is to act according to what is right, sometimes helping Netanyahu find creative ways to navigate party rules. He admitted that some decisions, including the exemptions, were not strictly constitutional but were framed to maintain a democratic appearance. Kleiner concluded that the party should be proud of the court’s independence and its balance between support and oversight of the leadership.