Likud MPs hit by primary rule change as party blocks district candidacies

Eight ministerial appointments have been approved for Benjamin Netanyahu, but a controversial clause intended to allow sitting MPs to run in local primary elections has been struck down by the party’s judicial committee. The decision represents a significant setback for incumbent ministers and parliamentarians, who will now be forced to compete for approximately 17 realistic Knesset positions based on recent polling figures. The ruling is expected to benefit new candidates entering the race, according to party insiders. The change came following a challenge by party conference members who sought to block the clause that would have permitted sitting MPs greater flexibility in choosing their electoral districts. By limiting incumbents to competition at the national level rather than in individual districts, the judicial committee’s decision fundamentally reshapes the dynamics of Likud’s selection process for the next election. Political analysts suggest the ruling could accelerate generational change within the party, potentially opening pathways for new political figures while marginalising some of the current parliamentary contingent.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.