Jerusalem Mayor Barkat says he's not joining Likud

Barkat says he supports Netanyahu, but doesn't plan to join his party as PM praises Jerusalem mayor for helping apprehend terrorist on Sunday.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD, JPOST.COM STAFF
Benjamin Netanyahu and Nir Barkat (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Benjamin Netanyahu and Nir Barkat
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
At a Monday press conference in the capital announcing the fifth annual Jerusalem Marathon, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat praised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but flatly denied reports that he was joining the Likud.
"No, I didn't join Likud," he said. "I support Netanyahu. We are partnering to build the city of Jerusalem and I think he is the best prime minister for the state of Israel."
Netanyahu met with Barkat a day after the Jerusalem mayor helped apprehend a terrorist who had stabbed an Israeli man in the capital. Barkat just happened to be on the scene when the terror attack occurred and security cameras captured his heroic action.
Netanyahu praised Barkat for the "impressive courage" he displayed in helping subdue the terrorist, saying he prevented a greater tragedy from occurring.
He said that it was not the first time that the Jerusalem mayor had displayed such courage, pointing out that 11 years ago Barkat had helped evacuate victims from a Jerusalem bus that was targeted by a terror attack, providing first aid and saving the life of one woman.
Barkat thanked Netanyahu for his kind words and for the help he has given to the capital over the years. "There is no doubt, terror is not a problem for Jerusalem only, it is a worldwide problem that must be met with a forceful hand."