"Look at what we are dealing with": Benny Biton calls on Likud members to let Netanyahu determine the list

Mayor of Dimona Benny Biton, considered close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was interviewed today (Monday) on 103fm and addressed the storm surrounding the Likud primaries following the reserved spots in the list demanded by Netanyahu, and the proposal to change the internal election system in light of the security situation.

Biton expressed unequivocal support for canceling the primaries and granting Netanyahu broad authority to determine the party's list for the Knesset. The mayor addressed the problematic timing the Likud party is in and the internal struggles within it:

"It is no secret that I was in favor of canceling the primaries and making a temporary order right now. Look at what we are dealing with, the PM is supposed to go on a diplomatic visit, the most important in the Middle East, and we are dealing with whether there will be reserved spots or primaries."

On the issue of canceling the primaries and Netanyahu's reserved spots, Biton was adamant:

"I am stating my opinion, not the PM's opinion. I think it should have been allowed for the PM, via a temporary order, to determine an orderly list with an advisory committee, and let him focus on the most important issues in the Middle East."

"All the other parties are running a campaign and we are bickering. The ruling party, the glorious Likud party, is bickering. Who will be in second, third, or ninth place - what does it matter?" said Biton on the subject of the primaries. According to the mayor, the list position is meaningless. He gave as an example Defense Minister Israel Katz, who reached 12th place and became Defense Minister, and also Ehud Olmert, who reached 29th place on the list and was Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister at the time. "There is really no importance to the position in the primaries, it's just bickering among ourselves," said Biton.