Economy Minister Nir Barkat Supports Term Limits and Hints at Future PM Bid After Netanyahu

Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat expressed support for limiting the prime minister's tenure to two terms and did not rule out running for prime minister himself after Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview on the "Kikar FM" podcast hosted by Eli Guthelf, Barkat said he believes two terms are sufficient, citing his experience as Jerusalem mayor for ten years and a military principle about leadership turnover. When asked directly if he would back a law limiting the prime minister to two terms, Barkat confirmed he would.

Regarding his own political future, Barkat emphasized his current support for Netanyahu but left open the possibility of running for prime minister in the future, saying it depends on public support. This interview followed a report by political analyst Amit Segal revealing that Barkat allegedly attempted to oust Netanyahu starting in October 2023. According to Segal, Barkat held intensive consultations with advisors aiming to replace Netanyahu and become prime minister himself.

Segal reported that the plot was exposed to Netanyahu by Minister Haim Katz in late November 2023, after which Netanyahu worked to dismantle the effort through various means, including personnel moves. Segal described Barkat's attempts as costly, clumsy, and ultimately unsuccessful, involving efforts to topple the government budget and political maneuvers from both right and left. Barkat reportedly met with ministers, Knesset members, and media figures to promote himself as the country's leader, but failed to gain sufficient support.

Following the failed attempt, Barkat allegedly sought to bolster his standing among Likud members through a legal fund against Channel 12, which also did not achieve significant success. Barkat's statements and Segal's revelations highlight ongoing political tensions within Netanyahu's coalition and potential leadership challenges ahead.