First petition filed against Likud vote: 'Harm to equality'

A first petition was filed with the Likud court against the approval of the second clause in Netanyahu's proposal for the primaries, which allows ministers and Knesset members to run in districts. The petitioner argues that the clause was approved by a majority of only five votes, contrary to the constitution requiring a two-thirds majority, and harms equality among candidates.

A first petition was filed today (Tuesday) with the Likud court against the approval of the second clause in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal ahead of the party's primaries. The clause allows ministers and Knesset members to run in districts. The petitioner, attorney Yair Gabai, a prominent candidate in the Jerusalem district, argues that the clause was approved by a majority of only five votes, contrary to the Likud constitution requiring a two-thirds majority of convention members. It is also claimed that it harms equality among candidates, as Knesset members and ministers enjoy public resources such as budgets, offices, and paid assistants, unlike other candidates. Gabai added that he has no doubt the clause will be canceled. Additional petitions are expected in the coming day, particularly from candidates and activists associated with MK David Bitan, who led the opposition to Netanyahu's proposals. Yesterday, the convention approved all three of Netanyahu's proposals: the first clause (primaries regulations) and the third (eight reserved slots) received an overwhelming majority, while the second clause was approved by a razor-thin majority of only five votes.

First petition filed against Likud vote: 'Harm to equality'