Clash Erupts in Likud Ahead of Primaries as Bittan Opposes Katz's Reserved Seats Plan

A sharp conflict broke out within the Likud party on Sunday ahead of Monday's vote on the primary election format and reserved seats for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. MK David Bittan publicly opposed a proposal led by Likud Central Committee Chairman Haim Katz to reserve seats for MKs Keti Shitrit and Eti Atiya, accusing Katz of pushing the plan under Netanyahu's guise. Bittan urged committee members to vote against the proposal and seek a compromise with Netanyahu afterward.

Senior Likud officials responded by accusing Bittan of lying and attempting to harm Netanyahu's standing. They claimed Bittan initially agreed to a regulatory committee arrangement contingent on receiving a reserved seat, but withdrew when that was denied. Officials suggested Bittan is aligning with Netanyahu opponents, hoping for leniency in his legal troubles, and criticized his recent actions as damaging to party unity.

Bittan rejected these accusations, stating he openly expresses his views and has witnesses to Katz's proposal, which he said Netanyahu refused to accept. He accused senior party figures, including Katz and Likud CEO David Sharan, of spreading falsehoods and serving personal interests rather than the party's welfare. The dispute highlights internal tensions within Likud amid security concerns and the looming primary vote.

The vote on the primary format and reserved seats is scheduled for Monday, with the possibility of postponement due to the current security situation. The outcome will influence Netanyahu's control over the party list and the broader direction of Likud ahead of upcoming elections.