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


Barkat is Netanyahu’s top successor for Likud leadership - poll

The poll of 650 respondents representing a statistical sample of the Israeli adult population found that Benjamin Netanyahu is by far the strongest candidate as head of Likud.

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

Exposed: Fake Israeli Facebook profile network supports controversial figures

The profiles voiced support for a number of public figures, including Orly Levy-Abecassis, Chaim Walder, Nir Barkat and others.

 A 3D printed Facebook logo is pictured on a keyboard in front of binary code in this illustration taken September 24, 2021.

Likud MKs try to stop Nir Barkat in leadership race

Former Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat is in the race to replace opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu — But some MKs are trying to stop him.

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

Pandora Papers: Watchdog asks A-G to probe MK Nir Barkat on involvement

The Pandora Papers revealed that Barkat transferred shares in several companies to his brother Eli Barkat when he was elected to the Knesset and invested in a large company registered in a tax haven.

MK Nir Barkat

Pandora Papers might help PM hopeful Nir Barkat's political ambitions

A massive trove of documents alleges financial misdeeds but political analysts believe Likud MK will turn the report to his advantage.

NIR BARKAT: Netanyahu has energy and experience, and for the party and country, the longer he is around is better for us, so I wish him long life as the head of both.

'Pandora Papers' expose offshore deals of Jordan's king, Israelis

Over 500 Israelis were exposed in the massive "Pandora Papers" exposé revealing offshore dealings of hundreds of officials and businessmen.

Shekels and dollars

Barkat to meet senators on Jerusalem consulate for Palestinians

Joint List Mk Tibi wrote to US Secretary of State Blinken in favor of reopening a consulate in the capital that serves the Palestinian Authority.

US Embassy Jerusalem

Likud membership drive ends in apparent failure

Likud source says that Barkat brought in 4,500 members.

 SUPPORTERS OF Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrate at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, August 2021.

Will Likud candidates succeed in dethroning Benjamin Netanyahu?

POLITICAL AFFAIRS: Is the dawn of "the day after Netanyahu" approaching?

 SUPPORTERS OF Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu demonstrate at Habima Square in Tel Aviv, August 2021.

Likud's Barkat heads to Washington to stop Palestinian consulate opening

The Likud MK argues that opening a consulate to a foreign entity – the Palestinian Authority – on Israeli territory undermines its sovereignty in Jerusalem and is a move towards dividing the capital.

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