Dovid Bitan Clashes With Netanyahu Over Likud Primary Slots in Closed Committee Meeting

A rare confrontation took place on Monday during the Likud Constitution Committee meeting, which discussed changes to the party's primary election system and the number of reserved slots allocated to party leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Quotes published by i24 revealed sharp exchanges between Knesset member Dovid Bitan and Netanyahu. Bitan opposed the plan granting Netanyahu eight reserved slots on the Likud list and criticized him harshly during the session. Bitan stated that Netanyahu had asked him to run for party leadership, a remark that was reported in the media. He further condemned the practice of defaming others, calling it "a disgrace," and accused Netanyahu of tolerating such behavior. Bitan added, "I have supported him all these years, even when he went to the UN. Shame on you." Netanyahu responded calmly, saying, "I listen to everyone here, including those who disagree with me." Despite the heated dispute, the committee, chaired by Minister Haim Katz, approved a compromise proposal by majority vote ahead of the primaries. Under the approved framework, Netanyahu will receive eight reserved slots within the top 31 positions on the Likud list: three in the first ten, three in the second ten, and two in the third ten, specifically at positions 3, 5, 9, 11, 15, 18, 26, and 31. One of these slots is designated for Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar. The proposal is scheduled for a vote at the Likud Central Committee on Thursday.