Legal Challenge Looms Over Israel Katz and Haim Katz's Reserved Seats in Likud List

Despite the conclusion of the Likud party primaries, internal disputes continue as party members prepare a legal petition challenging the reserved spots granted to ministers Israel Katz and Haim Katz. The petition aims to classify Israel Katz's reserved seat as part of the eight reserved slots allocated by party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, rather than as an additional seat beyond that number. This move could significantly alter the party list order, potentially restoring realistic positions to MKs Ze'ev Elkin and Hanoch Milwitsky, who were pushed down the list.

If the petition succeeds, Netanyahu will face a decision whether to keep Israel Katz within the top ten candidates or assign him to the second tier of reserved seats. Meanwhile, efforts to legally contest Haim Katz's reserved seat are also being reconsidered after previous unsuccessful attempts. The ongoing legal battle highlights that although the primaries have ended, the fight over the final composition of the Likud list for the 2026 Knesset elections is far from over.