Netanyahu Thwarts Nir Barkat's Attempt to Oust Him as Prime Minister

Political commentator Amit Segal revealed new details about how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allegedly foiled a coup attempt led by Minister Nir Barkat to replace him. According to Segal, Minister Haim Katz informed Netanyahu about the plot on the last day of November 2023. Upon learning of the plan, Netanyahu took multiple steps to dismantle it, including strategic conversations, promotions, and sending one of the conspirators abroad.

Segal stated that the effort began in October 2023, when Barkat held intensive consultations with his advisors aiming to depose Netanyahu and assume the premiership himself. Between October 2023 and March 2024, Barkat reportedly tried to undermine the government from various angles, attempting to topple the budget, opposing the government from the right, and later trying to flank it from the left. Segal described the operation as "expensive, clumsy, and failed."

During this period, Barkat met with ministers, Knesset members, and media figures to convince them he was the right leader for the country, though Segal emphasized he was not part of these meetings. After Netanyahu successfully dismantled the plot and Barkat failed in his challenge, Barkat sought to improve his standing among Likud members by filing a lawsuit against Channel 12, which also did not gain significant traction.

Segal concluded by challenging Barkat to sue for defamation if he denies the allegations, stating, "If Barkat denies what is written here, the minimum required is a massive defamation lawsuit tomorrow morning."