Likud Vote Faces Recount After Two-Vote Margin and Irregularity Claims

Likud’s tribunal is reviewing new evidence and petitions alleging ballot irregularities in last week’s Central Committee vote on proposals from Benjamin Netanyahu and Haim Katz. A rules change allowing sitting ministers and lawmakers to run for district slots passed by only two votes, after the initial protocol recorded a five-vote margin of 1,678 to 1,673. Tribunal president Michael Kleiner appointed an expanded five-judge panel to hear the petitions Sunday, with a recount expected. A senior party official said verified significant evidence could lead to the result being annulled or the vote rerun.