The Likud party's internal court ruled Tuesday that sitting MKs and ministers cannot run in district primaries without resigning their current seats. Political analyst Amit Segal (N12) said the decision means at least half of the current faction will be outside the Knesset by next week. Channel 14 reporter Abraham Hasson added that at least 20 sitting MKs are expected to be ejected, pending appeals.
The Likud party's internal court ruled Tuesday morning that sitting MKs and ministers cannot run for district slots in the upcoming primaries without first resigning from the Knesset. The decision, first reported by Amit Segal of N12, effectively forces a choice between retaining a current seat and risking a run for regional representation.
The practical implication, according to Segal, is that at least half of the current 32-member faction will find themselves outside the Knesset by next week. Channel 14 reporter Abraham Hasson later noted that the ruling is not final and appeals are expected, but the number of ejected MKs could reach at least 20.
The ruling specifically prevents Minister Haim Katz from promoting his associate, MK Etty Atia, within the district slots. The deadline for resignations to run in districts is today.
The development comes amid ongoing internal Likud tensions over the primary process, as reported by The Zioneer previously. The Likud legal adviser, Ilan Bombach, is reportedly considering a petition to the District Court to challenge the ban.
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