Bitan Opposes Netanyahu’s Eight Reserved Slate Slots Before Likud Vote

Likud convention members are voting Monday on a revised primary framework that would give Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eight reserved positions on the party’s Knesset slate. MK David Bitan urged members to reject the proposal, saying the plan would weaken the movement’s internal democracy and would not add new political talent. Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi called on members to support Netanyahu’s proposal. The vote is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 16 polling locations, after the party court rejected a separate provision allowing primaries to be canceled during a security emergency.