Likud lawmakers, ministers forbidden from running in regional primary slots, Likud court rules

The Likud Court has overturned a key decision by the Likud convention, prohibiting current and former lawmakers, ministers, and deputy ministers from running in regional primary slots. This ruling blocks a move supported by Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Haim Katz. The court stated that regional slots are intended as a "nature reserve" for new leadership, and serving lawmakers have inherent advantages. Additionally, the court ruled that the 35th place on the Likud list will revert to a national slate position, and an immigrant is defined as someone who moved to Israel after January 1, 1990, for guaranteed representation. The deadline for submitting candidacies has been extended by 48 hours. However, Netanyahu retains eight reserved slots. The court also criticized the Likud administration for voting flaws, though it rejected claims of Netanyahu's illegal vote and declined a recount or new vote due to time constraints.