After the elections, MK David Bitan tried to form a block against Netanyahu within the Likud. The goal: to put pressure on Netanyahu before dividing the cases. MK Vettori broke away from the organization and suffered an attack: “You are disgusting, I don’t want anything to do with you anymore”
Immediately after the election campaign, which ended in victory for the Netanyahu bloc, MK David Bitan tried to establish a block within the Likud party with the goal of putting pressure on Netanyahu before the portfolios were distributed. The fear of the Knesset members from the Likud was that during the Likud’s negotiations with the coalition partners, Netanyahu would give up the important positions and will leave only remnants for members of the ruling party.
Rumors about the formation of a group within the Likud that would act as one unit against Netanyahu began to spread. This is a significant group in Likud that includes David Bitan, Israel Katz, Dodi Amsalem and also one new MK, Nissim Vatori.
Throughout the days, the four repeatedly deny the rumors of the establishment of such a block. But screenshots from MK Nissim Vatori’s phone that were revealed by Israel Hayom, and in which Bitten’s correspondence with Vatori prove that the group was indeed formed. Bittan tried to hold a meeting, but it did not materialize. The correspondence also reveals Bittan’s great anger and harsh words against Vatori, After he realized that he was going to “blow” him.
Bitten asks Vettori in the text message exchange if he is coming on Sunday, “to sit with you. We are organizing, if you want – tomorrow morning.” The next day Bitan texts the address of Dodi Amsalem’s house and arranges with him on Monday at 1:00 PM.
In the meantime, the rumors about the formation of the Likud group against Netanyahu spread again, and MK Vettori was alarmed. He tweets on Twitter and tries to distance his name from the group: “Don’t believe every spin, especially when it comes out when I’m in the synagogue. I pray for the success of the coalition led by Netanyahu.” Following the tweet, Bitan turned to him on WhatsApp and asked for an explanation: “Are you making fun of me? I want to know if you are with me or not.”
Vettori answers him: “I’m only with you. I don’t want the media to write about things they didn’t ask me. I have a problem with Israel (Kaz) – I don’t believe him. We will meet and talk about everything.”
Bitan responds: “What does this belong to Israel? If you write something like that, then it means you are not with me. In the Knesset, tweets are important. Nissim, you are not stupid.” Vettori wants to reassure Bitan and writes to him: “Let’s meet tomorrow.” Bitan replies: “Are you in the war with me or not? No stories. If you want to be with Bibi, then be.”
Another day passes. Vettori is interviewed and denies any connection to the establishment and partnership in the group. Bitan is furious and writes harsh words to Laatori on WhatsApp: “There is no point in meeting us. You are disgusting. I don’t want contact with you anymore.” Vettori replies: “You attacked me. I’m new. Where did Israel go?” Bitan responded: “We did… Aren’t you ashamed?”.
Knesset member Israel Katz refused to comment.
MK David Bitan responded: “I have never denied that there were conversations related to appointments within the Likud. There were other MKs who talked to each other about this and I don’t see anything special about it. It’s not about organizing against Netanyahu, but something internal.”
Amsalem’s office responded: “The issue is neither interesting nor relevant. Neither a meeting nor a block. Nonsense.”
Manisim Vattori responded: “It’s ridiculous that members of the Knesset don’t have a millimeter of privacy. I will check the legality of the invasion of privacy. Maybe you also saw my correspondence with my wife? We all stand behind the prime minister united and look ahead.”