Bitan Appeals to Likud Members Against Katz-Backed Primary Plan

MK David Bitan appealed Wednesday to Likud Central Committee members to reject the primary plan approved by the party's Constitution Committee. He said the dispute concerns Likud's character, accused committee chairman Haim Katz of using his position to push his own list, and argued that Netanyahu had been forced to accept it. The plan reserves eight slate positions for candidates chosen by Netanyahu, including six in the top 20, and still requires Central Committee approval. Separate reporting said lawmakers and ministers were organizing against the plan ahead of a secret vote; Bitan earlier denied that a formal group existed.