A Likud lawmaker under investigation for suspected bribe-taking was recorded saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to appoint him as public security minister, Hadashot TV news reports.
According to the report, Bitan told Moshe Yosef, who police have referred to as the lawmaker’s “banker,” that Netanyahu had agreed to the appointment.
“Netanyahu arranged with me to become public security minister. He is afraid of the media, but [the appointment] is done,” Bitan is quoted saying.
Hadashot news says friends and associates of Bitan were also recorded discussing the appointment, saying Bitan would appoint a police commisioner who is more “easy-going” than incumbent Roni Alsheich.
“Bitan will get rid of Roni Alsehich. Instead, he’ll search for a police commisioner who is more easy-going, who it is possible to work with,” the unnamed friends and sources were quoted saying.
Bitan stepped down in December as coalition whip, after it emerged he was suspected of receiving bribes when he served as deputy mayor of Rishon Lezion, as well as a member of Knesset.
Coalition chairman Likud party MK David Bitan leaving the Lahav 433 national crime unit of the Israel Police on December 10, 2017. (Roy Alima/Flash90)
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