Likud Tribunal Criticizes Defense Minister Israel Katz

The Likud party's internal court issued sharp criticism Sunday of Defense Minister Israel Katz, faulting him for public appearances that appeared to be part of his campaign for the party's upcoming primaries—even though Katz already knew his position on the party's electoral list was guaranteed.

"It is regrettable that he made public appearances perceived as part of primary election campaigning, when he was aware that he no longer needed election campaigning given that his position was already secured," the tribunal wrote in its decision.

The court added: "This is a mishap that should not have occurred."

The criticism centers on Katz's continued participation in events connected to Likud's internal primary race, despite no longer needing to compete in the primaries to secure his spot on the party's Knesset list. In Israel's parliamentary system, parties hold internal primaries to determine the order of candidates on their lists; higher positions virtually guarantee a seat in parliament.

The court's statement also appeared to allude to the defense minister's absence from a critical security cabinet meeting that dealt with the Gaza Strip. According to the tribunal, while that discussion was taking place, Katz attended weddings and private events connected to a Likud vote contractor and to Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto.

The criticism focused not only on Katz's attendance at these events, but on their timing. The tribunal emphasized that Katz was already aware his list position was assured, making appearances that resembled campaign events unnecessary.

In doing so, the court drew a contrast between Katz's role as defense minister and his public activity within Likud's internal political framework. The reference to his absence from the cabinet meeting sharpened the severity of the rebuke, particularly since the discussion concerned the security situation in Gaza, a core responsibility of the defense minister.

Even if the appearances took place against the backdrop of the primary campaign, Katz should have avoided them once his list position was secured.