Economy Minister Barakett Denied Meeting with Netanyahu Amid Leadership Rift in Likud

Economy Minister Nir Barakett requested an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but Netanyahu's office declined, stating there was no need for such a meeting. This refusal highlights a clear and cold stance from Netanyahu's team toward Barakett. The tension arises amid reports that Barakett allegedly attempted to orchestrate a leadership coup against Netanyahu following the Hamas attack on October 7, claims which Barakett vehemently denies.

According to a source close to Netanyahu, after the October 7 attack, some Likud members, including Barakett, reportedly sought to remove Netanyahu from office. Netanyahu responded by summoning several Knesset members and ministers to quash the attempt, which ultimately failed, partly due to coalition expansion. The source described the situation as a "coup that almost succeeded," with Netanyahu and his wife fully aware of Barakett's alleged role.

Netanyahu's coolness toward Barakett contrasts with his recent public support for other Likud candidates, such as Deputy Minister Almog Cohen and MK Avichai Boaron. Additionally, businessman Oren Dobronski's secured spot at number 11 on the Likud list is seen as a move to undermine Barakett's position. Netanyahu is reportedly backing other candidates, including Eli Cohen, Ofir Katz, and Amichai Shikli, to push Barakett down the party list.

This internal party friction unfolds amid a highly competitive Likud primary, with about 80 candidates vying for only 17 realistic spots on the national list. This intense competition is expected to leave around 14 current ministers and MKs outside the next Knesset. The high stakes have also led to legal battles within the party, such as MK Tali Gottlieb's withdrawn petition against Defense Minister Israel Katz's secured spot, following criticism from the party court regarding the nomination process.