Netanyahu Uses Oren Dovratonsky's List Spot to Undermine Nir Barkat Amid Leadership Coup Attempt

A source close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that the decision to secure businessman Oren Dovratonsky at the 11th spot on the Likud list was a strategic move aimed at weakening Economy Minister Nir Barkat. This action stems from Barkat's alleged attempt to orchestrate a leadership coup against Netanyahu in the turbulent days following Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, 2023. The source claimed, "Barkat acted to topple Netanyahu - now is the time for revenge."

According to the report, Netanyahu discovered the coup attempt and quickly convened several Knesset members and ministers to thwart it. The coalition's expansion also helped end the initiative. The source emphasized that the Dovratonsky appointment is just the beginning, with Netanyahu planning to bolster other candidates like Eli Cohen, Ofir Katz, and Amichai Shikli to push Barkat further down the list before the upcoming elections.

Senior analyst Amit Segal detailed that from October 2023 to March 2024, Barkat engaged in intense consultations and efforts to unseat Netanyahu, including attempts to topple the budget and political maneuvers from both right and left. The coup was ultimately dismantled in late November 2023 after Knesset member Haim Katz informed Netanyahu, who then neutralized the threat through political negotiations and appointments.

The Likud party officially denied these claims, stating that Netanyahu placed Dovratonsky on the list due to his successful high-tech entrepreneurship and potential to contribute to Israel's economy. Barkat's office also welcomed the decision, saying it strengthens Likud and its entrepreneurial forces.