Nir Barkat Faces Crisis Over Alleged Attempt to Oust Netanyahu Ahead of Likud Primaries

Five days before the Likud primaries, Economic Minister Nir Barkat is embroiled in a political crisis. Once seen as the natural successor to party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, Barkat now faces serious challenges just before the upcoming Knesset elections.

Reports have surfaced about a faction within Likud that attempted to remove Netanyahu immediately after the October 7 attacks. Former MK Dan Illouz revealed that about a third of the faction planned a constructive vote of no confidence against Netanyahu, but internal disagreements and ego clashes prevented the move. Recent coverage by Channel 12 identified Barkat as the leader of this attempted ouster, prompting Netanyahu's office to reportedly seek retribution against him.

This controversy is causing significant turmoil within Likud during a sensitive period when Netanyahu enjoys strong loyalty from party members. Some rivals are leveraging the situation to undermine Barkat in the primaries. A senior minister described Barkat's situation as "not simple," citing a "tsunami of accusations" against him for an attempted coup that contradicts the party's DNA. Netanyahu's office denies any involvement or plans to retaliate against Barkat.

Likud spokesman Guy Levy also dismissed the allegations, stating there is no intention to harm Barkat. Additionally, attempts to link Barkat to Oren Dobronski, a new party candidate with a similar economic and tech background, have been denied. However, insiders note that Dobronski's entry on Barkat's ticket and the timing of the attempted coup suggest a coordinated effort to settle scores with Barkat within the party.