Story perspectives

Netanyahu Secures Likud List Power as Court Blocks Katz Slot

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Likud secretariat approved Knesset slots for Israel Katz, Gideon Sa’ar and Oren Dobronsky, while an interim court order blocked Haim Katz’s slot.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured authority to set eight of the party’s 30 list spots after a Likud vote.
The Tel Aviv District Court rejected petitions, keeping district slots open only to newcomers.
MK Tally Gotliv called the Haim Katz reservation disgraceful and will petition the party’s internal court.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1973, Likud broke the left’s dominance with its 1977 victory and, after losing in 1992, introduced member primaries in the early 1990s—3,050 voters participated in the 2005 primary—shifting power to party factions. Leadership contests such as Ariel Sharon’s 1999 win and recent Netanyahu-led seat allocations have sparked legal challenges, underscoring judicial influence on Israeli coalition politics.

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Story summary

The Likud secretariat approved Knesset slots for Israel Katz, Gideon Sa’ar and Oren Dobronsky, while an interim court order blocked Haim Katz’s slot.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured authority to set eight of the party’s 30 list spots after a Likud vote.
The Tel Aviv District Court rejected petitions, keeping district slots open only to newcomers.
MK Tally Gotliv called the Haim Katz reservation disgraceful and will petition the party’s internal court.

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