Amir Segal Reveals Nir Barkat's Attempted Coup Against Netanyahu After October 7

Journalist Amir Segal disclosed details of an alleged attempt by Nir Barkat to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the events of October 7, 2023. According to Segal, Barkat engaged in months of consultations with ministers and Knesset members, trying to build support for replacing Netanyahu. The effort spanned from October 2023 to March 2024 and included attempts to topple the budget, opposing the government from the right, then appealing from the left to avoid attacking investigative committees.

Segal reported that Barkat met with various political figures and media personnel, explaining why only he could save the country, but failed to convince the public or political establishment. The plot was eventually revealed to Netanyahu by former minister Haim Katz at the end of November 2023. Netanyahu responded by sidelining Katz and sending one of the conspirators abroad.

After failing to unseat Netanyahu, Barkat reportedly tried to appease Likud members by funding lawsuits against Channel 12, but this also did not gain traction. When asked why Netanyahu did not dismiss Barkat despite knowing about the coup attempt, Segal suggested Netanyahu lacked the parliamentary margin to afford losing even a single vote at the time and that Barkat’s lawsuit fund complicated matters further.

Segal concluded by challenging Barkat to sue him for defamation if he denies the claims, noting Barkat’s previous 12 million shekel lawsuit against Channel 12. The revelations highlight internal tensions within the Likud party and ongoing political maneuvering months after the October 7 attacks.