Likud's Nir Barkat plotted to oust PM Netanyahu after October 7, journalist Amit Segal says

Channel 12 commentator Amit Segal reported that Economy Minister Nir Barkat plotted to replace PM Netanyahu after October 7. Segal said Health Minister Haim Katz informed Netanyahu of the plot in late November 2023, and Netanyahu foiled it by separating conspirators and promoting them. Barkat allegedly tried to bring down the budget and met with ministers and MKs. Segal challenged Barkat to sue for libel if the report is false.

Channel 12 political commentator Amit Segal published on Tuesday details of an alleged attempt by Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat to oust and replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly after the October 7 massacre. According to Segal, in October 2023 Barkat held consultations with his advisers on a plan to replace Netanyahu. From October 2023 to March 2024, Barkat reportedly tried to bring down the budget, criticized the government from the Right, and then from the Left by opposing commissions of inquiry. He met with ministers, MKs, and media figures to argue he could save the country. Segal wrote that on the last day of November 2023, Health Minister Haim Katz told Netanyahu about the plot, and Netanyahu foiled it by breaking the co-conspirators apart with personal talks and strategic promotions. Barkat then tried to appease Likud members through a legal claims fund against Channel 12. Segal concluded by challenging Barkat to file a libel lawsuit if the report is untrue, noting Barkat has already sued Channel 12 for NIS 12 million. Segal also explained that Netanyahu did not fire Barkat because he lacked a margin to give up a Knesset vote.