David Bitan

David Bitan (, born 8 April 1960) is an Israeli lawyer and politician. He currently serves as a member of the Knesset for Likud. Israeli attorney general Avichai Mandelblit announced on 26 January 2020 that Bitan would be indicted for "bribery, fraud and breach of trust, as well as money laundering and tax offenses" following a hearing.
Biography.
David Bitan was born in Kenitra, Morocco and immigrated to Israel with his family at the age of five. During his national service in the Israel Defense Forces, he served as a combat medic. He then studied law at Tel Aviv University. After graduating with an LL.B in 1987 and receiving a law license, he worked as an attorney and later opened his own law firm.
Bitan is married to Hagit, and they have two daughters.
Political career.
A member of Likud, he became a member of Rishon LeZion City Council in 1988 after becoming head of the party's Rishon LeZion branch. He went on to become Deputy Mayor of the city.
He was placed 21st on the Likud list for the 2013 Knesset elections, but was moved down to 35th place after Likud agreed to run a joint list with Yisrael Beiteinu. With the alliance winning 31 seats, Bitan did not become a Knesset member. Prior to the 2015 elections he was placed 16th on the Likud list, taking the place reserved for the coastal plain. He was elected to the Knesset as Likud won 30 seats.
In October 2017, Bitan was investigated by police for alleged bribery. He was suspected of received money from businessmen to pay off a massive debt while Deputy Mayor of Rishon LeZion. On 7 March 2019, the Israeli police recommended bribery charges against Bitan. He was nominated to be Minister of Agriculture on 5 January 2020, but withdrew on 10 January prior to a Knesset vote on his appointment.