Netanyahu will not appeal Likud court decision, will rely on MK's petition claiming it 'does not replace the sovereign'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided not to file an appeal on behalf of Likud against the party court's decision that disqualified sitting MKs from running in district primaries. Instead, he will rely on the petition filed by MK Afif Abed to the Tel Aviv District Court, who argues that the court is not authorized to replace the will of the Likud convention. Abed entered the Knesset under the Norwegian law following the resignation of Yoav Gallant, and claims he has not gained a political advantage. The primaries will be held on August 17.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided not to file an appeal on behalf of Likud against the party court's decision that disqualified sitting MKs from running in district primaries. Instead, he will rely on the petition filed by MK Afif Abed, submitted today to the Tel Aviv District Court. Abed, who entered the Knesset under the Norwegian law following the resignation of former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, argues that the court is 'not authorized to replace the will of the sovereign,' namely the Likud convention. He adds that due to his short tenure, he has not enjoyed an inherent advantage of public exposure or political baggage. The court accepted petitions against the clause approved by a narrow majority at the convention, and ruled that sitting and former MKs, ministers, and deputy ministers will not be able to run in the districts in the primaries scheduled for August 17. The move was promoted by Netanyahu and Minister Haim Katz. The main beneficiaries are new candidates, who will compete for places 27, 28, 30, and 31 on the list.