Tried to oust Netanyahu? Nir Barkat's crisis in the primaries

Five days before the Likud primaries, Economy Minister Nir Barkat faces a crisis following reports that he led an attempt to oust Netanyahu after October 7. Party ministers estimate that Netanyahu's circle may settle scores with him, including through the slotting of Oren Dobronsky. The PM's office denies.

Five days before the Likud primaries, Economy Minister Nir Barkat, who saw himself as the natural successor to party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu, is facing a real crisis. In recent days, stories have circulated about an attempt to oust Netanyahu after October 7 by a group of Likud MKs. About three weeks ago, former MK Dan Illouz revealed in an interview with the ynet podcast how a third of the faction coalesced and planned the ouster, but the move was thwarted due to ego battles and disagreement over the candidate. This week, Channel 12 reported that Barkat was the one who led the attempt, and that Netanyahu's office seeks to settle scores with him. Party ministers say Barkat's situation is not simple, and it is a "tsunami of accusations" about an attempted coup. The PM's office denies involvement, and Likud spokesman Guy Levi said there is no intention to harm Barkat. However, ministers connect the dots and see the joining of Oren Dobronsky, a high-tech figure with a profile similar to Barkat, as part of the revenge.