Amir Segal Alleges Nir Barkat Tried to Oust Netanyahu and Challenges Him to Sue

Amir Segal, political analyst for Channel 12 News, claimed on Tuesday that Economy Minister Nir Barkat attempted to orchestrate a plan to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office following the outbreak of the war. According to Segal, Barkat sought to replace Netanyahu as prime minister and engaged in intense consultations with his advisors, ministers, Knesset members, and media figures to advance this effort.

Segal detailed that from October 2023 through March 2024, Barkat's campaign included efforts to topple the government budget, publicly opposing the government from the right, then from the left by urging not to attack investigative committees. Barkat also met with various political and media figures, explaining why only he could save the country. Despite these moves, the attempt failed, and in late November 2023, Knesset member Haim Katz informed Netanyahu about the plot.

Following this, Netanyahu acted to dismantle Barkat's initiative through maintenance talks, promotions, and sending one of the dissenters abroad. After the failure, Barkat reportedly tried to regain favor within the Likud party by initiating a lawsuit fund against Channel 12, which also did not gain traction. Segal concluded by challenging Barkat to respond legally if he denies the allegations, stating, "If Barkat denies what is written here, the minimum required is a massive defamation lawsuit."