Netanyahu and Likud MK David Bitan Clash Over Party Primary Changes and Reserved Seats

Recordings released from a Likud Constitution Committee meeting reveal a heated dispute between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud MK David Bitan. The confrontation centered on Netanyahu's proposal to increase the number of reserved slots (sharionim) for the party leader on the Knesset list from three to eight and changes to the primary election system.

During the meeting, Bitan criticized the move to grant Netanyahu eight reserved spots, arguing that three should suffice. He accused the process of defaming others and expressed disapproval of Netanyahu's alleged tolerance of such behavior, saying, "If the Prime Minister supports people who do this, then it is not right." Bitan also reminded Netanyahu that he had supported him over the years, including during his UN visits, and told him, "Shame on you."

Netanyahu responded by stating he listens to everyone, including dissenters, and earlier told Bitan, "David, go get elected, be prime minister, see how many mandates you bring. But I am the prime minister. Enough with your remarks."

The committee ultimately approved Netanyahu having eight reserved slots on the Likud list: three in the top ten, three in the second ten, and one in the third ten. Additionally, Netanyahu was authorized to make changes to districts and reserved slots in positions 29 to 33 on the list. The party's primary elections were postponed to August 17.

These developments highlight internal tensions within Likud regarding leadership privileges and the party's candidate selection process ahead of upcoming elections.