Likud MK David Bitan Urges Support for Primary Reform to Preserve Party Democracy

Ahead of a crucial Likud Constitution Committee meeting scheduled for 14:00, MK David Bitan released a video urging party members to back his proposed primary election framework. Bitan emphasized that his plan aims to maintain the democratic nature of the Likud party while granting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu five reserved slots within the top 50 candidates on the party list. These reserved positions would be at numbers 2, 6, 16, 39, and 48.

Bitan's proposal also includes direct elections of nine district representatives by local party members, rather than selection by a limited party apparatus. He clarified that his initiative is not against Netanyahu, stating, "My proposal is not against Netanyahu, I have always supported him. The party is a democratic party, and we need people to choose democratically."

He warned against adopting a closed committee or a primary system that effectively acts as a closed committee, which he said would grant Netanyahu excessive reserved slots. Bitan also addressed rumors about guaranteed spots for new candidates, dismissing them as unfounded and emphasizing that his balanced proposal offers all party members a fair chance to be on the list and represent Likud in the Knesset. He stressed the importance of preserving the party's identity by favoring longtime Likud members over newcomers.

The committee's decision on the primary format will shape the Likud's candidate list for upcoming elections and influence the party's internal democratic processes moving forward.