MK David Bitan hospitalized in intensive care

Chairman of the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee, MK David Bitan, hospitalized in the neurological intensive care unit at Sheba Hospital after feeling unwell for several days.

Netanyahu ally: PM isn't going to bring back judicial reform

MK David Bitan blasts fellow Likud lawmaker who crafted judicial reform, says Netanyahu isn't going to put overhaul back on agenda.

'They've become extremists'

Likud MK attacks party members who visited Temple Mount

Likud MK David Bitan called out his fellow party members who visited Judaism's holiest site ahead of Jerusalem Day.

Likud MK:

'We need to reach a compromise, we can't go on like this'

MK David Bitan calls for a compromise on the judicial reform.

The rebellion which was planned in the Likud - and was thwarted

Netanyahu's office suspected that four senior Likud members planned to form a group that would oppose the judicial reform.

Bitan's warning to Netanyahu

MK David Bitan calls on Netanyahu to stop the legislation of the judicial reform.

Likud MK on judicial reform:

'We'll modify reforms even if the opposition doesn't negotiate'

MK Bitan blames haredi MKs for pressuring coalition to rush reform package. 'This should have been done entirely differently.'

MK Bitan on cost of living:

'I'm not looking for culprits, but for results on the ground'

MK David Bitan tells INN that despite the importance of the judicial reform, the cost of living remains the most important issue.

David Bitan charges:

'Netanyahu has lost his leadership'

MK David Bitan blasts the chairman of his party over the formation of the new government.

After period of tension:

Netanyahu and Bitan reconcile

Prime Minister-designate Netanyahu meets MK David Bitan, and they decide to turn a new page.

Bitan in message to Netanyahu:

'The problems will come from the other parties, not from me'

MK David Bitan: Likud made a mistake by giving Avi Maoz authority over 2 billion shekels.

Bitan criticizes Netanyahu:

'Likud gave Smotrich everything he wanted'

MK David Bitan criticizes the chairman of his party, says he is not looking after the members of the Likud.

Likud MK pessimistic:

'Smotrich's demands are exaggerated, he only has 7 seats'

MK David Bitan does not expect new government to live out its term in office.

MK Bitan is pessimistic:

'I know Smotrich - there will be problems every week'

Likud MK disappointed with the conduct of the coalition negotiations.

Bitan lashes out at Netanyahu:

'The Likud is not a one-man party'

MK David Bitan criticizes the chairman of his party: If Bibi wants to behave the way he behaved towards Sa'ar - that is his problem.

Tensions in the Likud:

David Bitan cuts ties with Netanyahu

MK Bitan was outraged by Netanyahu's interference in the Likud primaries, which weakened his power in the party.

Insulted? Likud's Bitan resigns from Election Committee

The long-time Netanyahu ally was relegated to 17th on the Likud party list after a failed primaries run.

Likud MK:

'Barkat is whining like a child, the Likud is angry with Shaked'

MK David Bitan: No one is conspiring against Nir Barkat, he should stop whining like a little child.

MK David Bitan:

'Netanyahu is loved by the right'

Likud MK: The Netanyahu family no longer vetoes Shaked but she won't defect.

'Netanyahu family has reconciled with Ayelet Shaked'

"Ayelet has no future in the Likud (for now) but we need to cooperate to make progress."

Likud MK:

'We'll get 61 seats next time - you can quote me on that'

Senior Likud lawmaker dismisses polling showing Netanyahu bloc stuck at 59 seats. 'This government will fall and we will top 61 seats.'

Likud MK: Netanyahu said he wants Shaked in the Likud

Netanyahu pushing for Shaked's inclusion on next Likud slate - but senior party officials are pushing back, says MK David Bitan.

Likud MK:

'There are talks with at least one MK in the coalition'

MK Miki Zohar says opposition is in talks with one MK and aims to lead to the dissolution of the Bennett-Lapid government.

MK David Bitan tests positive for COVID-19 a second time

In December of 2020, Bitan was hospitalized in serious condition after contracting COVID-19.

Miri Regev: Yisrael Katz, stop the rumors

MK Miri Regev responds to report that MK Yisrael Katz is working on forming a new government under his leadership.

Likud MK: 'Government will fall in six months'

Likud MK David Bitan says current government won't last, option to form government with DM Benny Gantz still on the table.

New caucus will connect between Knesset and the Diaspora

Jewish Agency launches new Knesset caucus, Caucus for the Jewish People, that will promote cooperation between Knesset and the Jewish world.

Likud MK: Dissolving government with Gantz was a mistake

MK David Bitan says both Likud and Blue and White erred in fighting during previous government,

Knesset Speaker: No more food or drink allowed in plenum

Knesset Speaker bans food and drink in plenum hall, says it 'harms public image.'

Knesset Speaker suspends David Bitan from chairing discussions

Ethics Committee to discuss the conduct of MKs Bitan, Smotrich and Kisch after they were documented misleading the Knesset Secretary.

Likud MK: 'It's not a disaster to sit in the opposition'

'No need for primaries now, it costs a lot of money. There's no question Netanyahu leads the opposition,' Likud's MK Bitan says.

'Bennett is a mega-defector; he stole 250,000 right-wing votes'

"They're trashing all their policy positions in order to get the premiership and senior positions."

MK Bitan: Working with Mansour Abbas won't hurt us

Likud MK David Bitan says party must be prepared to compromise to prevent a fifth round of elections, including with United Arab List leader

Hospitalized Likud MK David Bitan recovers from COVID

Lawmaker transferred to rehabilitation ward following recovery from coronavirus.

Condition of MK David Bitan takes turn for the worse

Likud MK being treated for coronavirus at Sheba hospital is transferred to ICU, following deterioration in his condition.

Significant improvement in MK Bitan's condition

Hospital, family of MK David Bitan announce he has been taken off heart-lung machine after 2 weeks in critical condition with COVID-19.

MK Bitan's condition continues to be critical

On medical staff recommendation, MK David Bitan continues to be connected to ventilator and communicates with surroundings.

MK Bitan's wife: He is moved by all the wishes

Hagit Bitan, wife of Likud MK who is hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19, optimistic over his chances of recovery.

Likud MK David Bitan placed on life support

Likud lawmaker infected with the coronavirus placed on life support following serious deterioration in his condition.

MK Bitan in intensive care with breathing difficulties

MK David Bitan (Likud) arrived on Saturday night at Sheba Hospital in Tel Hashomer, he was tested positive for coronavirus last week

Report: Likud MK put 30 people in quarantine

Epidemiological investigators claiming that MK David Bitan met with people even after contracting COVID-19.

Likud MK tests positive for COVID-19

MK David Bitan says he feels good and is experiencing only mild symptoms. His adviser was also found to be positive for coronavirus.

David Bitan: 'Likud reached a new low'

Likud MK David Bitan sharply attacks Prime Minister Netanyahu and Coalition Chairman Miki Zohar.

MK David Bitan: 'Gantz is holding up; he surprises me'

MK David Bitan talks about many Likud pressures on to apply sovereignty and the functioning of the unity government.

Tzipi Hotovely to become Diaspora Minister

Netanyahu announces a number of ministerial appointments. Hotovely is the first Religous Zionist woman to be appointed as a minister.

Netanyahu opposes initiative to cancel Likud primaries

'The Likud is a democratic movement and its members will decide who will lead it. Prime Minister Netanyahu is confident that he will win.'

'Lapid is torpedoing any chance of a unity government'

Likud lawmaker believes unity government likely to form - despite Yair Lapid's alleged efforts to derail a compromise deal.

'Netanyahu will not ask for extension'

MK Bitan: Blue and White want new elections because they think they will do better after indictment against Netanyahu.

MK Bitan: Netanyahu should return the mandate tonight already

'Blue and White doesn’t want to negotiate because it wants elections,' Likud MK says.

'Primaries a waste: No one can challenge Netanyahu'

MK David Bitan says PM suggested move to hold Likud primaries based on 'bad advice.'

'There won't be a third election'

Election committee certifies results of last week's Knesset election. 'There was attempt to delegitimize election,' says election chief.

Proposal: PM Netanyahu, Benny Gantz, should rotate premiership

Likud's MK BItan suggests rotational power-sharing arrangement that may allow unity government, but contradicts election promises.

Era of the fax officially ends

Law requiring public bodies to accept emails instead of faxes goes into effect.

'If the right doesn't unite, we'll lose seven seats'

Likud's MK Bitan says the right-wing bloc needs two smaller parties to pass the threshold. Unity? 'Blue and White has to accept Netanyahu.'

'Bennett didn't give anything up - he didn't have anything'

Likud's MK Bitan says claims of what people 'gave up' need to be taken in proportion. 'You can't give up what you don't have.'

'In this election, Shaked won't run with Likud'

Likud MK David Bitan, one of main proponents for bringing Shaked into Likud, says PM's decision not to make the step is final.

Bitan: We're laying groundwork for next government right now

MK David Bitan says coalition talks are underway, after elections talks will be 'short and easy.' Also: Liberman, Lapid, may join hands.

'Sara wants Netanyahu to win'

Likud's David Bitan denies reports Sara Netanyahu blocked bid to recruit Ayelet Shaked. 'It's possible Shaked won't run at all this time.'

Likud MK: Giving Smotrich Justice Ministry 'not an option'

MK David Bitan says United Right leader Bezalel Smotrich is 'problematic to negotiate with,' says Likud needs to keep Justice Ministry.

Bitan: It's possible Arab party didn't really pass threshold

Likud MK backs election chief's request for police probe of alleged voter fraud in Arab sector.