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


Lapid condemns Flag march slurs: 'This is not Judaism and not Israeli'

"It is incomprehensible how one can hold an Israeli flag in one's hand and shout 'death to Arabs' at the same time."

YAIR LAPID arrives at the Knesset ahead of the vote and swearing in of the 36th government, June 13, 2021.

Nir Barkat: 'This is not the time for unnecessary primaries'

Barkat, who is the richest politician in Israel, funded free dinner and parking for the attendees. There were hamburgers, arais, asado, chicken, rice, noodles, fish and chips, desserts and wine.

NIR BARKAT at a rally supporting him on Thursday night, June 10 2021

Barkat to hold 'show of force' rally for over 1,000 Likud activists

Barkat will support - not challenge - Netanyahu and will criticize Bennett and Sa'ar for not joining a Netanyahu-led government.

Nir Barkat and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu present the Likud economic plan during a party event in Tel Aviv on February 16.

Who would replace Netanyahu as Likud chairman if he leaves? - poll

Netanyahu's trial, as well as a recent proposal to nominate him for President, have left many Likud voters to wonder what will be of the Likud if he leaves.

BARKAT TAKES an election-night photo with a Bibi-masked man at Likud Party headquarters in Tel Aviv on March 2.

Likud told not to use prime minister's home for political events

MK Nir Barkat tops list of candidates fined by comptroller

A view of the house of the Israeli Prime Minister in Jerusalem. June 07, 2002.

People refusing to pay coronavirus fines, only 25% of fines paid so far

The value of the fines handed out to restriction violators since the pandemic broke out has reached NIS 212 million. But only NIS 38 million have been paid so far.

Israeli border police officers check citizens on Jaffa Street in downtown Jerusalem on October 7, 2020, during a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Finance Minister Katz must quit, says Barkat

"Every day that Katz remains finance minister endangers the Israeli economy, the income of nearly a million people and the continued rule of the Right"

Finance Minister Israel Katz and MK Nir Barkat clash at the Knesset's Finance Committee

Katz announces draft of coronavirus economic plan ready for PM

OECD: Israel expected to have 8% average unemployment rate by end of 2020

New Finance Minister Israel Katz

How the ‘marathon runner’ Nir Barkat fell off track

How did Nir Barkat, Jerusalem’s promising former mayor, get sidelined by Netanyahu?

Nir Barkat and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu present the Likud economic plan during a party event in Tel Aviv on February 16.

Barkat renews Likud attack on Gantz

“During the campaign I claimed, as did my colleagues in the Likud, that Gantz doesn’t have the qualifications or the experience, and I have not changed my opinion,” said Barkat.

Nir Barkat