Nir Barkat

Who are the Likud ministers, MKs unlikely to make it into 26th Knesset? - explainer

Several current Likud ministers and MKs are expected to lose their seats in the 26th Knesset following October's election, largely because the party's size is expected to shrink from 36 to 20-25 MKs.

Campaign materials of candidates who ran in yesterday’s Likud primary elections are seen in Jerusalem, August 18, 2026
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara arrive to cast their vote at a polling station in Jerusalem, August 17, 2026

Independent voters hold more power over Israel elections than before, strategic adviser says

Nir Barkat, Minister of Economy and Industry casts his vote at a polling station during the Likud party’s internal elections in Jerusalem, July 27, 2026.

Likud's Nir Barkat plotted to oust PM Netanyahu after October 7, journalist Amit Segal says

Nir Barkat in a video of the Carrefour chain

US import reform approved in Knesset


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

The prize is awarded to individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing mutual respect and tolerance who work towards creating harmony in the societies in which they live.

PRESIDENT HERZOG presents the Jerusalem Unity Prize 2026 at the President’s Residence.

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

At the Annual Conference, Minister of Economy Nir Barkat will share his vision for Israel’s economic future

Minister of Economy Nir Barkat

Grapevine March 1, 2026: Women in the spotlight

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

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

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