After reports of Netanyahu's ouster: Barkat goes on the offensive – 'an assassination attempt'

Economy Minister Nir Barkat rejects reports of a move to oust Prime Minister Netanyahu, declares support for Netanyahu and respects Likud decisions. He calls the reports an 'assassination attempt' by Channel 12 News, and emphasizes his commitment to dismantling the Palestinian Authority. Barkat calls on Likud members to vote in the primaries and influence the composition of the list.

Economy Minister Nir Barkat launched a media offensive today following reports of a possible move to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with Radio North 104.5FM, Barkat strongly rejected the reports, calling them an 'assassination attempt' by Channel 12 News, and made clear that he supports Netanyahu and respects the decisions of Likud institutions. Barkat, who is running in the primaries, called on Likud members to come out and vote and influence the composition of the list, and expressed confidence in great achievements. He also referred to past internal disputes, including his opposition to the return of Palestinian workers at the beginning of the war, noting that 'today we are in a different place.' On the political issue, Barkat stated that 'the next big issue is to dismantle the PA,' and pledged to place on the Prime Minister's desk a plan to dismantle the Palestinian Authority and a model by Dr. Moti Kedar, in order to 'bury the idea of a Palestinian state.'