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
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at cabinet meeting to vote on 2026 budget, December 5, 2025.

'Chutzpan': Netanyahu removes Smotrich, Amsalem from cabinet meeting after shouting match

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


Grapevine December 8, 2023: It ain’t over till it’s over

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 YESHIVA UNIVERSITY President Dr. Ari Berman with singer-songwriter Ishay Ribo.

Israel's Knesset passes divisive wartime budget in first reading

While the original coalition funds in the state budget were cut down for the amended budget, they still include billions of shekels.

 A vote on the state budget at the Knesset plenum in Jerusalem. December 6, 2023.

Is Barkat preparing to run against Netanyahu for Likud leadership?

The former Jerusalem mayor has met with Likud activists and told them that he would not support Netanyahu again and that the party needed to see a change.

 Nir Barkat

Likud MK criticizes Barkat's absence at budget vote in Knesset

Likud MK Eliyahu Revivo said that if he were prime minister, he would fire Nir Barkat for his refusal to attend the vote.

 The Likud faction

Gov't's amended budget met with outrage at inclusion of coalition funds

The five National Unity ministers in the cabinet opposed the amended budget because it still included allocation of coalition funds for uses not related to the war.

 FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich and Economy Minister Nir Barkat attend a meeting in September.

Israel-Hamas war harms economy, but ministers fight over paying the bill

ISRAEL AT WAR: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Economy Minister Nir Barkat vie over the economic aid plan to help businesses devastated by war with Hamas.

 FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich and Economy Minister Nir Barkat attend a meeting in September.

New York Stock Exchange decorated in Israel's colors

The New York Stock Exchange honored Economy Minister Nir Barkat's visit by decorating with blue and white Israeli flags.

 Economy Minister Nir Barkat at the New York Stock Exchange.

50 Influential Jews: Bridge to the Diaspora - No. 24

Nir Barkat, Amichai Chikli, and Ofir Sofer play a critical role in connecting Israel and world Jewry. Here is why.

 Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer, Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli, and Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat

Is Benjamin Netanyahu an obstacle to political stability in Israel? - poll

Israel's coalition would win more seats under ministers Gallant and Barkat rather than the prime minister, a new Maariv election poll found.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes a weekly cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, January 8, 2023

Knesset passes law to protect lone soldier wages in special session

The Knesset held a special session, passing a law for lone soldier and bnot sherut wages and approving several other bills on their first readings.

 Israeli lawmakers are seen raising hands at a special session in the Knesset while the parliament is on recess, in Jerusalem, on August 16, 2023.