Likud MKs remain barred from district primary slots after Supreme Court appeal is withdrawn

Current and former Likud lawmakers, ministers, and deputy ministers will not be allowed to compete for district positions in the party's upcoming primary. This outcome follows MK Afif Abed's withdrawal of his Supreme Court appeal late Wednesday night, effectively closing one chapter in the ongoing struggle over how the Likud will select its next Knesset list.

The appeal concerned whether current and former officeholders could vie for spots on the list reserved for candidates from geographic districts. The Supreme Court formally dismissed the appeal after hearing arguments, with justices repeatedly questioning the need for external court intervention in the party's internal judicial decisions. The court panel, comprising justices Dafna Barak-Erez, Ofer Grosskopf, and Alex Stein, affirmed that the Likud tribunal is responsible for resolving internal disputes.

This ruling means the internal tribunal's decision stands, barring established politicians from using the district route. They must now compete on the nationwide slate. The district pathway traditionally offered a chance for local activists and new candidates lacking national recognition. Allowing established politicians to compete in these districts would have provided them an alternative to the crowded nationwide race.

The primary vote is scheduled for Monday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, still has the authority to appoint candidates to eight specific positions on the list. The struggle over the Knesset list has involved multiple disputes, including the timing of the primary, the extent of Netanyahu's appointment powers, and eligibility for district positions.

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Grosskopf said the Likud tribunal was responsible for deciding internal disputes and that its decisions should ordinarily be respected.