Likud Court Upholds Reserved Spot for Minister Haim Katz

Likud's internal tribunal ruled Wednesday to dismiss petitions challenging the reserved spot granted to Minister Haim Katz on the party's Knesset list, bringing closure to a controversy that has roiled Israel's ruling party in recent days. The decision guarantees Katz a secure position on the list and settles a dispute that exposed sharp internal divisions within Likud.

The court explicitly determined that party chairman and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has the authority to select Katz for one of eight reserved positions approved by the Likud central committee—and critically, that he may do so even before the party's primary elections take place. "There is no obligation to wait for primary results," the ruling stated.

Petitioners had argued that Katz faced a serious conflict of interest: as chairman of Likud's Constitution Committee, he was involved in approving the very reservation mechanism from which he stood to benefit personally—a step they viewed as fundamentally improper. However, the tribunal ruled by majority opinion that allegations of conflict of interest and improper dealing were not substantiated. The decision noted that much of the petitioners' case rested on rumors and media reports lacking adequate legal foundation. "The evidence presented is insufficient to support the serious allegations," the ruling stated.

Tribunal president Michael Kleiner went further, offering explicit support for Katz in his decision. In an unusual justification, Kleiner wrote that "placing a successful minister and experienced Knesset member who has proven his loyalty to the party" is preferable to placing a candidate coming to the list from outside.

The statement is widely interpreted as recognition of Katz's contributions to both the party and government, providing significant political validation for his position.

Katz, who has served in various government and Knesset roles over many years, now receives formal approval for his reserved spot without needing to compete in the primaries.

The reservation controversy has generated internal turmoil within Likud in recent weeks. Netanyahu requested that the party convention approve eight reserved spots on the Likud list, up from five reserved positions granted in previous elections. The proposal passed the convention narrowly but sparked fierce opposition among some party activists.

Separately, the Tel Aviv District Court rejected a proposal to allow ministers and Knesset members to compete in regional districts—a move considered a setback for the prime minister. Now, with approval of Katz's reservation, Netanyahu scores a partial victory in the internal battle over shaping the party list.

The practical impact of the decision is that Katz receives a guaranteed position on Likud's list for the next Knesset without waiting for primary results or competing against other candidates. This has drawn criticism from some party members who view it as undermining internal democratic principles.