Supreme Court rejects appeal over Likud regional slots, backs party court ruling

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party faces mounting pressure to resolve internal disputes over its upcoming primary election, which will determine the composition of its Knesset list ahead of the October 27 general election. With tensions rising over the allocation of reserved positions and the influence of Netanyahu himself, the party finds itself at a critical juncture as it prepares to select candidates for the next legislative term. The primary, set for Monday, is being viewed as a pivotal moment for the governing party, which holds 32 seats in the current Knesset and leads the government. The controversy centers around the distribution of reserved spots, which Netanyahu has secured for eight of his chosen candidates. These positions, placed among the top 29 on the list, grant him unprecedented control over the party’s electoral slate. Alongside these reserved slots, the party’s central committee has already allocated guaranteed positions to key figures such as Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Likud Central Committee chairman Haim Katz. These moves have sparked debate within the party, with critics arguing that they diminish the democratic nature of the primary process. The dispute over the reserved positions follows an earlier attempt to establish an emergency mechanism allowing a committee of Likud mayors to decide the party list if security conditions made holding a primary impossible. However, the party tribunal ruled that the primary must proceed regardless of external factors. Despite this, the primary remains a crucial element in shaping the party’s future direction, with members expected to play a significant role in determining the final list. The internal dynamics of the party are further complicated by the presence of both established lawmakers and emerging candidates vying for limited spots. Many current MKs are unlikely to secure a place in the next Knesset due to the reduced number of open positions. This situation has intensified competition, with party members juggling the desire for individual recognition against the need to maintain a cohesive and electorally viable platform. Public opinion suggests that the Likud is facing challenges in maintaining its dominance in the upcoming election. Polls indicate that the party is projected to win between 22 and 24 seats, a decline from its current 32. This forecast has prompted Netanyahu to take decisive steps to influence the outcome, including supporting candidates aligned with his vision for the party. One such candidate is former Otzma Yehudit MK Almog Cohen, who received public endorsement from the prime minister. The selection of Oren Dobronsky, a businessman and co-founder of the tech firm Hotbar, for one of Netanyahu’s reserved slots has drawn attention. Dobronsky, known for his work in the American tech industry, faced criticism after a past comment referring to U.S. President Donald Trump as a “piece of s***.” In response to backlash, Dobronsky issued an apology, stating that his remarks were made in a moment of frustration and that he deeply respects Trump. As the primary approaches, the focus remains on how the party will balance internal governance with the broader political landscape. The outcome of the vote will not only determine the makeup of the Knesset list but also provide insights into the direction of the Likud under Netanyahu’s leadership. With the general election less than two months away, the stakes are high for the party that continues to wield significant influence in Israeli politics.