Netanyahu and MK David Bitan Clash During Likud Committee Meeting Over Party List Seats

A heated confrontation erupted on Monday during a Likud Constitution Committee meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and MK David Bitan. The dispute occurred amid discussions to approve eight reserved slots for Netanyahu on the party's Knesset list. Bitan openly criticized the proposed moves, prompting Netanyahu to respond sharply, "David, go get elected, be prime minister, see how many mandates you bring. But I am the prime minister. Enough with your remarks." Bitan retorted, "Shame on you. I supported you all the way since you were at the UN," before leaving the meeting.

The clash took place as the committee approved a proposal by Likud party chairman Minister Haim Katz to grant Netanyahu eight reserved list spots. The committee also agreed to postpone the party primaries to August 17, following about a week of negotiations between Netanyahu and Katz. Bitan's departure marked a rare public dispute within the party leadership during a critical stage of election preparations.

This incident highlights internal tensions within Likud as Netanyahu consolidates his position ahead of the upcoming elections, balancing party unity with leadership prerogatives. The committee's decisions set the framework for the party's candidate list and primary schedule moving forward.