Nir Barkat allegedly planned to replace Netanyahu, claims Amit Segal

Political commentator Amit Segal has alleged that Economy Minister Nir Barkat orchestrated a plan to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and replace him as leader in the months following the October 7 attacks.

According to Segal, Barkat began intensive consultations with advisors as early as October 2023 to explore a leadership change. The commentator claims Barkat met with ministers, Knesset members, and media figures to argue he was the right person to lead the country. Between October 2023 and March 2024, Barkat reportedly challenged the government on various fronts, including the state budget and government policy.

Segal stated that Minister Haim Katz informed Netanyahu of these activities in late November 2023. In response, Netanyahu allegedly worked to dismantle the movement through political maneuvering, including promotions and assigning a dissident to a role abroad.

Regarding why Netanyahu has not dismissed Barkat despite these allegations, Segal suggested that while political coalition math prevented dismissal at the time, current considerations may involve Barkat’s litigation fund, which reportedly finances lawsuits for individuals close to Netanyahu’s office. Segal challenged Barkat to file a massive defamation lawsuit if the claims are untrue.