Nir Barkat

'Chutzpan': Netanyahu removes Smotrich, Amsalem from cabinet meeting after shouting match

The clash intensified when Smotrich said, “Who are you anyway? Why are you interfering?" and Amsalem replied, “You’re not speaking politely, don’t call me chutzpan.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at cabinet meeting to vote on 2026 budget, December 5, 2025.
Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat unveiling his "Israel Basket" project, January 4, 2026.

Economy Minister Barkat sues Channel 12 for NIS 12m. in largest libel lawsuit ever filed in Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a press conference with US President Donald Trump (not pictured) after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 29, 2025.

Netanyahu secures overwhelming Likud support, internal poll shows

Unveiling of the new F-35 during a rollout ceremony of F-35 fighter jets ordered by Finland at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facility in Fort Worth, Texas, US December 16, 2025.

Pentagon watchdog criticizes Lockheed Martin for US F-35 maintenance failures - Bloomberg


US to ease tariffs on defense and diamond imports from Israel

As for chips and pharma, two leading sectors in Israel's exports, the negotiations are expected to continue for months to come.

A trader inspects a diamond during a show at Israel's Diamond Exchange near Tel Aviv, Israel

Grapevine, December 21, 2025: A strong relationship

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Katherina Reiche with Ben Yanover, general manager of the Dan Hotel Tel Aviv.

Rising Israeli exports approach pre-war peak, Economy Ministry predicts $160 billion

Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat announced the figures on the second day of the Foreign Trade Administration’s annual annexes conference.

View of the Haifa port in the Northern Israeli city of Haifa, November 17, 2024.

Power struggles emerge in Netanyahu's Likud internal elections ahead of national primaries

The clashes over local and Central Committee seats are exposing power struggles ahead of the national primaries as political consultants play central roles on many competing lists.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to a Likud party meeting at the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem on July 23, 2025.

Israel-India ties can be a 'win-win' partnership, minister tells 'Post'

"This will help Israeli innovation reach world markets, as well as bring down costs for Israel, " India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told the Post.

(L-R) Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat, India's Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, Prime Minsiter Benjamin Netanyahu, and Indian Ambassador to Israel JP Singh.

Eric Adams: “My love for Israel is not a momentary matter.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams took part in a festive dinner at the King David Hotel where he spoke about his special connection to the State of Israel

MK Ron Katz, Dr. Ron Tomer, New York City Mayor Eric Adams; MK Nir Barkat, Moti Gamis, DG of the Ministry of Economy and Industry, Avi Balashnikov Chairman of the Ronald Lauder Center for Employment

Awz to build NIS 5b chip fab in Ashkelon for defense and civilian sectors

Facility, part of The RISE national deep-tech hub, will focus on III-V semiconductors and advanced packaging under a hybrid “open fab” model

Awz to build NIS 5b chip fab in Ashkelon. Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam (L), Industry Minister Nir Barkat (C) and Yaron Ashkenazi (R)

Grapevine: Mazal tov!

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 Mazal tov to Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion and wife, Stavit, upon the marriage of their daughter Shirael to Noam Muskovich on Oct. 21, 2025.

NIS 2 million: Nir Barkat's new car

Economy Minister and billionaire Nir Barkat bought a Mercedes-Maybach GLS, mainly for oligarchs, before the ceasefire. He says public officials who pay their own expenses deserve respect.

557 hp and luxury wood trims. Mercedes-Maybach GLS600.

‘A flawless execution': Politicians, MKs commend Israeli strike on Hamas leadership in Doha

Israeli leaders from the coalition and opposition praised the IDF and Shin Bet strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, calling it historic and justified.

Smoke rises after several blasts were heard in Doha, Qatar, September 9, 2025.