Netanyahu vs. Barkat: A Political Elimination Years in the Making
As the Likud party braces for its August 17 primaries, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is delivering a masterclass in political vengeance, systematically dismantling Economy Minister Nir Barkat's standing within the party. The clash, long anticipated, is reaching its climax with Netanyahu finally seizing the opportunity to sideline a rival who once dared to challenge his leadership.
How Did the Netanyahu-Barkat Feud Begin?
The roots of this bitter rivalry trace back to the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas massacre, when Barkat, a self-made tech billionaire and former Jerusalem mayor, became convinced that Netanyahu's conciliatory policy toward Hamas had directly led to the catastrophe. According to sources close to Barkat, he believed the prime minister was a 'walking disaster' and that every additional day in power endangered the country.
Barkat's frustration was not merely rhetorical. In May 2024, he began quietly engineering a plan to oust Netanyahu, including pushing for early Likud primaries and even orchestrating a constructive vote of no-confidence in the Knesset. His strategy involved rallying behind senior Likud MK Yuli Edelstein as an alternative leader, a maneuver that ultimately fizzled when Edelstein himself admitted, 'It has no chance whatsoever. Everyone in our party is afraid to go against Netanyahu.'
What Tactics Has Netanyahu Used Against Barkat?
Netanyahu's counter-offensive has been nothing short of surgical. He has systematically excluded Barkat from diplomatic and security affairs, refused him a seat in the security cabinet, and used his inner circle to paint Barkat as a disloyal opportunist. The prime minister's son, Yair Netanyahu, has been particularly active, sending messages to Likud activists in Jerusalem demanding they not support 'someone who wants to bring down my father.'
More recently, Netanyahu has delivered a calculated jab by reserving a guaranteed spot on the Likud slate for Oren Dobronsky, a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur who occupies the exact high-tech innovator niche Barkat claims for himself. Netanyahu has even publicly announced that Dobronsky will serve as a minister in the next government, a move widely seen as a direct message to Barkat.
Why Has Barkat's Challenge Failed?
Barkat's downfall lies in his miscalculation of Netanyahu's resilience. As the prime minister's popularity surged within the Likud base, Barkat's own support crumbled. His attempts to attack Netanyahu from the right backfired, with every statement coming back to haunt him. In one notable incident, Barkat called Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant 'leftists disguised as right-wingers,' prompting a harsh rebuke from the Prime Minister's Office, which accused him of 'encouraging our enemies to get a headline.'
Eventually, Barkat capitulated, pivoting to lavish praise on Netanyahu, even calling him the 'supreme leader' in a Channel 12 interview. But the prime minister's inner circle, as the saying goes, 'remembers everything and forgets nothing.'
What's at Stake in Monday's Primaries?
Barkat is now one of 33 ministers and MKs fighting for just 15 or 16 realistic spots on the Likud slate. In the previous primaries, he finished a respectable seventh, but his position is now precarious. The Netanyahu camp views Barkat as a 'clear and present danger,' and the campaign against him has been relentless, with even senior journalists at Channel 12 reportedly hounding him due to a bitter legal dispute with the network.
As the Jewish people have long known, the pursuit of power is a test of character and faith. In this case, Netanyahu has proven once again that he is a master of political survival, while Barkat's challenge has become a cautionary tale of ambition unchecked by political reality. Monday's primaries will reveal the final chapter of this saga, but one thing is certain: in Likud, loyalty to the leader remains the ultimate currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Barkat lose his seat in the Knesset?
It's possible. With only 15 or 16 realistic spots available and Netanyahu actively campaigning against him, Barkat faces an uphill battle. However, his previous seventh-place finish and his relentless grassroots work could still secure him a spot, albeit lower on the slate.
What does this mean for the future of Likud?
This internal battle reflects a broader struggle within Likud between loyalty to Netanyahu and the desire for renewal. If Barkat is eliminated, it would solidify Netanyahu's control over the party, but it could also alienate voters seeking fresh leadership.
How does this affect Israel's political landscape?
The outcome of the primaries will shape the Likud slate for the next general election, potentially influencing the composition of the next government. A weakened Barkat could also embolden other would-be challengers to think twice before crossing Netanyahu.