Likud Minister Loses His Cool: 'They Are Trying to Destroy Me'

Likud Minister Nir Barkat rejected accusations that he tried to force Netanyahu's resignation after October 7, declaring full loyalty to the prime minister. He acknowledged disagreements on security issues, including Gantz's position, but stressed that he now fully supports Netanyahu's course.

Likud Minister Nir Barkat found himself at the center of a harsh intra-party attack following reports that immediately after October 7 he allegedly tried to force Prime Minister Netanyahu's resignation. On Friday morning, the minister emotionally reacted to these accusations in an interview with Channel 12, stating: 'They are trying to destroy me, harm me personally, and create chaos within the Likud. I am loyal to the prime minister, have always supported him, and today I stand by his side.' He rejected claims of an attempt to oust Netanyahu but admitted that in the first days after October 7 he had disagreements with the prime minister on security issues. The main points of contention were the positions of former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, including the issue of allowing Palestinian workers into Israeli territory and the lack of a decisive response to events on the northern border. Barkat demanded that Netanyahu make a final decision. He noted that after the departure of the 'State Camp' representatives from the cabinet, government policy became significantly tougher. Now Barkat fully supports Netanyahu's political course and continues to advocate for his leadership of the country.