Former coalition leader MK (Likud) David Bitan has informed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that he expects to be appointed to a ministerial post in the new coalition. He adds that if he is not appointed, he will not accept any other position. It is noted that Bitan is said to be close to PM Netanyahu.

Speaking to the media, Bitan called on Mr. Netanyahu to keep his word and appoint him as a minister as promised.

In the previous administration, Bitan was supposed to be appointed as Deputy Transportation Minister but the prime minister asked him to serve as coalition chairman. There was talk to later appoint him as minister, but police announced an investigation against him for allegedly accepting bribes and other white collar crimes pertaining to his tenure in Rishon L’Tzion City Hall. As a result, he had to step down as coalition chair and is likely to face criminal indictment as police have recommended one be filed against him.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)