Likud MKs remain barred from district primary slots after Supreme Court appeal is withdrawn

Likud MKs and former officeholders will remain barred from competing for district positions in the party's upcoming primary after MK Afif Abed withdrew his Supreme Court appeal. This decision upholds an internal Likud tribunal's ruling, which found irregularities in a July 27 vote that had initially approved allowing established politicians into district races. The tribunal also reasoned that district slots are intended for new leadership, not serving politicians. The Supreme Court justices, including Ofer Grosskopf, questioned why an external court should intervene in internal party decisions, stating that the Likud tribunal was responsible for internal disputes and its decisions "should ordinarily be respected." This outcome does not affect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's authority to fill eight reserved positions on the party list. The primary is scheduled for Monday.