Nir Barkat

US import reform approved in Knesset

The Knesset has approved a landmark bill aimed at easing the entry of US-standard goods into the country without requiring additional local certification.

Nir Barkat in a video of the Carrefour chain
PRESIDENT HERZOG presents the Jerusalem Unity Prize 2026 at the President’s Residence.

Significant award inspired by tragedy: Herzog presents Jerusalem Unity Prize 2026

Minister of Economy Nir Barkat

Can Israel’s economy survive after a seven-front war?

TALIA EILAT with her 2026 Peres Center Medal of Distinction and certificate.

Grapevine March 1, 2026: Women in the spotlight


Economy minister says Israel can’t miss ‘beheading’ opportunity in Iran, urges full-force strikes

The remarks came during a Sunday Kol Barama interview, following the joint Israel-US attacks on Iran on Saturday, which prompted Iranian missile retaliation.

Nir Barkat.

Smotrich doubles down on refusal to enlist daughter, claims IDF is 'no place for women'

In an interview, Smotrich also addressed his comments on crime rates in Arab communities, saying, "There is a culture of murder, killing, and jihad in Arab society."

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich arrives to a conference of the Israeli newspaper Makor Rishon in Jerusalem, December 25, 2025

'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 Minister Barkat sues Channel 12 for NIS 12m. in largest libel lawsuit ever filed in Israel

Nir Barkat files Israel's largest libel lawsuit against Channel 12, accusing them of false claims following a broadcast of an investigation by journalist Omri Maniv.

Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat unveiling his "Israel Basket" project, January 4, 2026.

Netanyahu secures overwhelming Likud support, internal poll shows

When asked who is best suited to lead Likud in the next national election, 80.4% of respondents chose Netanyahu. Other senior party figures received significantly lower levels of support.

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.

Pentagon watchdog criticizes Lockheed Martin for US F-35 maintenance failures - Bloomberg

Known as the most sophisticated stealth fighter jet in the world, the F-35 US fleet could only fly for half of the expected time due to poor maintenance.

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.

US to ease tariffs on defense and diamond imports from Israel

As for chips and pharma, two leading sectors in Israel's exports, the negotiations are expected to continue for months to come.

A trader inspects a diamond during a show at Israel's Diamond Exchange near Tel Aviv, Israel

Grapevine, December 21, 2025: A strong relationship

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Katherina Reiche with Ben Yanover, general manager of the Dan Hotel Tel Aviv.

Rising Israeli exports approach pre-war peak, Economy Ministry predicts $160 billion

Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat announced the figures on the second day of the Foreign Trade Administration’s annual annexes conference.

View of the Haifa port in the Northern Israeli city of Haifa, November 17, 2024.

Power struggles emerge in Netanyahu's Likud internal elections ahead of national primaries

The clashes over local and Central Committee seats are exposing power struggles ahead of the national primaries as political consultants play central roles on many competing lists.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrives to a Likud party meeting at the Knesset, Israel's parliament in Jerusalem on July 23, 2025.