Dr. Mordechai Kedar Publicly Endorses Minister Nir Barkat for Likud Primaries

Dr. Mordechai Kedar, a noted Middle East expert, released a public video endorsing Minister Nir Barkat ahead of the Likud party primaries. Kedar praised Barkat as the sole leader within Likud who vigorously pushed for dismantling the Palestinian Authority and advancing the so-called "Emirates Plan," which proposes a civilian alternative to the Palestinian Authority.

In the video, Kedar emphasized Barkat's unique commitment, stating that among all Likud Knesset members and ministers, Barkat alone championed this cause against strong opposition. He revealed that Barkat dedicated many days and nights hosting meetings with sheikhs from Hebron at his home to promote the plan.

Kedar framed the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority as vital to Israel's existence and urged Likud members to vote for Barkat, who is number 109 on the party list, to continue pursuing this policy. This endorsement is notable given Kedar's right-wing credentials and the political significance of Barkat's stance within the party.