Bitan to step down as coalition whip amid probes

Likud MK David Bitan says he will quit his position as coalition chairman, amid ongoing criminal investigations into his affairs.

In a statement, Bitan says he will continue to serve as a lawmaker in the Likud party and thanks Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his support.

Bitan is suspected of having taken bribes from crime organizations in Rishon Lezion after he became the deputy mayor of the city in 2005, and of diverting a construction tender toward the son of an acquaintance in exchange for money, among other offenses.

He has been questioned three times by police at the Lahav 433 national crime unit headquarters in Lod, each session lasting several hours.