Economy Minister Nir Barkat Absent from Key Likud Primary Polling Station Amid List Battle

Nir Barkat, Israel's Economy Minister, was notably absent from the polling station at Binyanei HaUma in Jerusalem during the ongoing Likud primaries, a departure from his usual practice of being present for extended periods in previous internal elections. Barkat's absence is drawing attention due to the intense competition over his position on the Likud party list ahead of the 2026 elections. Despite not appearing at the polling site, Barkat's name still features in several voter deals circulating among Likud members in Jerusalem, including one associated with vote broker Itzik Kaufman, indicating he retains some grassroots support.

In past primaries, Barkat was known for personally greeting voters at the entrance to the polling station, contributing to his faction's strong showing, such as the 62% vote share his list secured in recent internal Jerusalem elections. However, his current absence contrasts sharply with this active engagement and raises questions about his political standing amid reports that he sought to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after October 7, a claim Barkat has denied.

The situation highlights the heightened stakes and internal tensions within Likud as candidates vie for favorable positions on the party list, with Barkat's future role remaining uncertain as the primaries proceed.