Likud MKs Prepare for Primaries Following Party Rule Change Allowing District Runs

Following a narrow approval at the Likud convention on Monday of a rule change proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and party chairman Haim Katz, several incumbent Likud Knesset members are preparing to run in district primaries. The change permits sitting MKs to compete in both district and slot races in the upcoming primaries, a first in the party's history.

Shalom Danino has already decided to run in the southern district, while Keti Shitrit plans to compete in the Jerusalem district. Amit Halevi is still undecided but is considering a run in Jerusalem or on the national list. Eliyahu Revivo is also exploring a candidacy in the Shfela district, though no final decision has been made.

Etti Atiya, known to be close to Haim Katz and reportedly influential in passing the rule change, intends to challenge MK Osher Shklyar in the Tel Aviv district. Final decisions on candidacies are expected by 4 p.m. today, barring any delays.

This development is expected to intensify competition between incumbent MKs and new candidates, as the rule change opens new pathways for sitting members. However, legal petitions against the vote remain pending, and it is still uncertain if the provision allowing MKs, ministers, and their deputies to run in districts will be upheld permanently.