Nir Barkat Denounces Alleged Plot Against Netanyahu as 'Assassination Attempt' Ahead of Likud Primaries

Following reports of a potential move to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Economy Minister Nir Barkat strongly rejected such claims, calling them an "assassination attempt" by the media outlet Channel 12. Barkat affirmed his support for Netanyahu and pledged to respect the decisions made by the Likud party leadership. Speaking ahead of the upcoming Likud primaries, Barkat emphasized the party's unity and the importance of winning the crucial October elections.

Barkat reflected on his decade as Jerusalem's mayor, noting that his experience there fuels his national political ambitions. He criticized attempts to undermine him and recalled his opposition to returning Palestinian workers to Israel during the early stages of the recent conflict, highlighting his efforts to bring in foreign workers instead. Barkat also welcomed new candidates with business and international expertise, stressing that all voices within Likud should be heard democratically.

Regarding the party's candidate list, Barkat stated that Netanyahu and the Likud institutions had made their decisions, which he respects fully. He contrasted Likud's democratic primaries with other parties, accusing them of centralized control. Barkat predicted a strong voter turnout in the primaries and expressed pride in Likud's internal democratic process.

On security and policy matters, Barkat pointed to ongoing challenges in Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran. He identified the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority as the "next big issue," committing to present a plan based on Dr. Moti Kedar's model to Netanyahu. Barkat described this as a significant opportunity to end the prospect of a Palestinian state.

Summary: Economy Minister Nir Barkat dismissed rumors of a plot against Prime Minister Netanyahu as media-driven "assassination attempts," reaffirmed his support ahead of Likud primaries, and outlined plans to dismantle the Palestinian Authority as a key future policy goal.

Points: - Nir Barkat rejects reports of a move against Netanyahu, calling it a "media assassination attempt." - Barkat supports Netanyahu and will respect Likud leadership decisions ahead of primaries. - He emphasizes party unity and the need to win the October elections. - Barkat opposes returning Palestinian workers to Israel, favoring foreign labor instead. - He welcomes new candidates with business expertise to Likud's democratic primaries. - Barkat commits to dismantling the Palestinian Authority, presenting a plan to Netanyahu.

Topic: politics israel_relevant: true entities: {"people":["Nir Barkat","Benjamin Netanyahu","Galant","Ronen Bar","Moti Kedar"],"organizations":["Likud","Channel 12","Palestinian Authority"],"places":["Jerusalem","Lebanon","Gaza","Israel"]}