Likud MK David Bitan left a meeting of the party's Constitution Committee following a heated exchange with Prime Minister Netanyahu over reserved Knesset slots. Netanyahu told Bitan, 'Go run and become prime minister, we'll see how many mandates you bring,' according to a report by Michael Shemesh. The confrontation marks the latest escalation in internal Likud tensions over the composition of the party list.
Likud MK David Bitan walked out of the party's Constitution Committee meeting on Monday afternoon after a direct confrontation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over reserved Knesset slots, according to a report by journalist Michael Shemesh. Netanyahu told Bitan, 'Go run and become prime minister, we'll see how many mandates you bring,' before Bitan left the meeting.
The incident marks the latest flashpoint in ongoing Likud internal tensions over the allocation of reserved slots on the party list. As The Zioneer previously reported, Netanyahu has demanded 10 reserved slots for himself, sparking resistance from senior party figures. In late June, Netanyahu reportedly threatened to leave the party if the demand was not met, and the Constitution Committee's meetings have been repeatedly postponed or canceled. A July 8 meeting was initially scheduled without Netanyahu, then with him, following a petition by Bitan himself.
It remains unclear whether Bitan will pursue further procedural steps or whether the committee will continue its work on the primary regulations. The confrontation underscores the depth of the rift within Likud as the party prepares for the next election cycle.
4 developments
- DevelopingLikud MK Bitan accuses Netanyahu of leaking during internal meeting, warns against 'political elimination' of MKs
- DevelopingLikud committee approves Netanyahu's 8-slot reservation proposal, grants PM authority to change districts
- StrongLikud Constitution Committee to convene Thursday without Netanyahu, then with him, following Bitan petition
- DevelopingNetanyahu threatens to quit Likud unless granted 10 reserved Knesset slots
Source and signal
- Internal intake