Likud MK warns that scrapping primaries could doom the party within eight years

Likud MK David Bitan sharply criticized a proposal to replace the party’s primary election system with a appointments committee, warning on Monday morning that it could badly damage Likud and, in his words, even lead to its disappearance in the future. Speaking on Radio 103FM, Bitan said the committee model does not suit Likud and argued that such a major change cannot be made just one month before elections.

Bitan also addressed Prime Minister and Likud chairman Benjamin Netanyahu’s position, saying Netanyahu would prefer to have much broader control over the party list. “He would like to be like the other parties and appoint the Knesset members himself. It’s itching his hands, but it doesn’t fit Likud,” Bitan said. When asked whether Netanyahu understands something he is missing, Bitan replied that in his view the move is simply wrong politically and organizationally.

He said eliminating primaries would damage Likud’s political machinery and its grassroots activity. “Likud’s vitality will end two months before the elections. It will hurt Likud,” he said. Asked whether the party could be erased because of the move, Bitan answered, “In my opinion yes, within eight years.” He added that parties have disappeared over time and that a party cannot survive on a non-democratic basis.

Alongside his criticism, Bitan suggested a compromise for Netanyahu that would still give him influence over the list without scrapping the primary system. “If you want to appoint so badly, bring three people who will lift the list and no one will oppose them,” he said, adding, “If you bring them, no one will oppose.”