Likud battle escalates: MKs prepare for district primaries
Following the approval of a proposal by Benjamin Netanyahu and Haim Katz allowing incumbent MKs to run in districts, several lawmakers are finalizing their plans. MK Amit Halevi is considering a run in the Jerusalem district, while Shalom Danino will compete in the Southern district.
After the proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister Haim Katz, who chairs the Likud central committee, was approved this Monday at the party convention by a narrow margin of five votes, several Knesset members are preparing to leverage the new rules. The bylaw change allows incumbent MKs to run in districts and designated slots during the primaries.
Walla has learned that MK Shalom Danino is the first to decide, with plans to run in the Southern district. MK Keti Shitrit is also expected to run in the Jerusalem district, a path the party believes will be her primary route for the race.
MK Amit Halevi has yet to make a final decision but is considering a run in the Jerusalem district. His associates note that he maintains strong prospects in the national list race as well, leaving his final path undecided.
MK Eliyahu Revivo is exploring a candidacy in the Shfela district, though no final decision has been reached. Meanwhile, sources within Likud indicate that MK Eti Atiya, considered a close ally of Minister Haim Katz, intends to run in the Tel Aviv district against MK Osher Shkalim.
Final candidacy decisions are due by 16:00 today, barring any delays. This move is expected to ignite direct competition between incumbent MKs and new challengers. Concurrently, legal petitions have been filed against the vote, leaving the final status of the clause allowing ministers and MKs to run in districts uncertain.
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