Nir Barkat

{{short description|Israeli businessman and politician|bot=PearBOT 5}}

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Nir Barkat

| native_name = {{Nobold|{{Script/Hebrew|ניר ברקת}}}}

| native_name_lang = he

| image = Nir Barkat.jpg

| caption = Official portrait, 2023

| party = Likud (since 2019)

| otherparty = Jerusalem will Succeed (2003-2019)

| office2 = Mayor of Jerusalem

| term_start2 = 11 November 2008

| term_end2 = 4 December 2018

| predecessor2 = Uri Lupolianski

| successor2 = Moshe Lion

| office1 = Minister of Economy and Industry

| term_start1 = 29 December 2022

| term_end1 =

| predecessor1 = Orna Barbivai

| successor1 =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|10|19|df=y}}

| birth_place = Jerusalem, Israel

| alma_mater = Hebrew University of Jerusalem

| spouse = Beverly Barkat

| children = 3

| branch = Israel Defense Forces

| serviceyears = 1977–1983

| rank = Rav séren (Major)

| unit = 98th Paratroopers Division

| battles = {{tree list}}

1982 Lebanon War

}}

Nir Barkat ({{langx|he|נִיר בַּרְקָת}}; born 19 October 1959) is an Israeli businessman and politician, currently serving as Minister of Economy. He previously served as mayor of Jerusalem from 2008 to 2018.

Biography

Nir Barkat was born and raised in Jerusalem.{{Cite web |title=Members of the 25th Knesset |url=https://main.knesset.gov.il/en/mk/apps/mk/mk-personal-details/974 |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=www.knesset.gov.il}} His father, Zalman, was a physics professor at the Hebrew University, and his mother was a folk dancing instructor.{{cite web |last=Kra-Oz |first=Tal |date=July 8, 2013 |title=How Nir Barkat’s Lack of Poetry Brought Jerusalem Back From the Dead |url=https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/israel-middle-east/articles/nir-barkat-jerusalem |website=Tablet Magazine |location= |publisher= |access-date=May 20, 2025}} His grandparents immigrated from Poland and Russia.{{cite web|title= Is Jersualem Mayor Nir Barkat the Right Man To Run a Divided Holy City?|url= https://forward.com/news/324163/jersualem-mayor-nir-barkat-patrols-a-divided-city/|website=Forward.com|access-date=8 November 2015}}

Barkat joined the 98th Paratroopers Division of the Israel Defense Forces in 1977 and served for six years, including reserve duty, reaching the rank of major. Barkat was wounded in combat in Lebanon, during Operation Movil. He earned a BA in computer science from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and lives in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit HaKerem with his wife, Beverly. They have three daughters.

Business career

=High-Tech Ventures=

Barkat started his career in the high-tech industry by founding a software company called BRM in 1988, which specialized in antivirus software.{{Cite web|url=http://www.brm.com/history-success/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530160215/http://www.brm.com/history-success/|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 May 2014|title=A History of Success - BRM}} Later, the company became an incubator venture firm that invested in several companies such as Check Point and Backweb.{{Cite news|url=https://www.jta.org/1999/03/11/life-religion/features/news-analysis-largest-acquisition-of-israeli-firm-spurs-debate-over-high-techs-future|title=NEWS ANALYSIS Largest acquisition of Israeli firm spurs debate over high-tech's future|work=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en-us}} He later helped found the social investment company IVN, Israel Venture Network. In 2007, Barkat took part in the Israeli version of Dragons' Den, the venture-capitalist television program, which consists of entrepreneurs pitching their ideas in order to secure investment from business experts.

=Personal wealth=

According to Forbes in 2013, Barkat's net worth is estimated at NIS 450 million (about $122 million), more than the combined value of the next three politicians on the list making him the wealthiest Israeli politician.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-mayor-is-israels-richest-politician/|title=Jerusalem mayor is richest politician|website=The Times of Israel }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/276076|title=Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat Ranked Richest Politician - Israel National News|website=Israel National News|date=10 September 2013 |language=en|access-date=27 November 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/.premium-1.544971|title=Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat Ranked Israel's Richest Politician|last=Haaretz|date=2 September 2013|work=Haaretz|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en}} On October 3, 2021, Barkat's name was included among 565 Israelis whose names were included in the Pandora papers.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/global-investigation-unveils-alleged-financial-misdeeds-by-likud-mk-nir-barkat//|title=Global investigation unveils alleged financial misdeeds by Likud MK Nir Barkat|website=The Times of Israel|date=3 October 2021|access-date=26 January 2023}} As mayor, he did not take any salary from the city of Jerusalem.

Political career

File:LeviEshkolCenter.jpg and Ze'ev Elkin at the opening of Yad Levi Eshkol's visitors' center in Jerusalem]]

File:Sergey Sobyanin and Nir Barkat.jpg in meeting in Moscow, 15 September 2017]]

=Campaign for mayor of Jerusalem=

{{see also|2003 Jerusalem mayoral election|2008 Jerusalem mayoral election}}

Nir Barkat's entry into politics was gradual, after his exposure to and philanthropic investments in Jerusalem's education system. In 1999, the Barkat family began to explore the educational gaps in Jerusalem through their investment in The Snunit Center for the Advancement of Web Based Learning, a non-profit, non-governmental organization which uses web based resources to improve online education and improve personal and social growth within the Israeli society.{{cite web|url=http://www.snunit.k12.il/pages_icd/6408|title=סנונית - לעוף רחוק יותר מהדמיון|first=Maxim Zetser|last=Snunit}} Barkat saw this investment as the beginning of his interest in entering into Jerusalem's municipal politics.

Barkat's official entry into politics began in January 2003, when he founded the party Yerushalayim Tatzli'ah ("Jerusalem Will Succeed") and ran in the Jerusalem mayoral race, securing 43% of the vote and losing to Uri Lupoliansky. After his initial loss, Barkat served as head of the opposition on the city council until his election as mayor in 2008. During this period he helped form StartUp Jerusalem, a venture to create jobs in the capital.{{Cite news|url=https://www.jta.org/2004/07/07/archive/a-former-jerusalem-mayoral-hopeful-is-launching-a|title=News Brief|work=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en-us}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.jta.org/2004/10/25/archive/new-nonprofit-aims-to-boost-jerusalems-ailing-economy|title=New Nonprofit Aims to Boost Jerusalem's Ailing Economy|work=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en-us}} He briefly led the Jerusalem faction of the Kadima party{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Barkat-to-run-Kadimas-Jerusalem-campaign-pg3|title=Barkat to run Kadima's Jerusalem campaign (pg.3)|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=27 November 2017}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/96735|title=Barkat to Head Jerusalem District of Kadima - Israel National News|website=Israel National News|date=16 January 2006 |language=en|access-date=27 November 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Local-Israel/In-Jerusalem/Kadima-Nothing-to-Bark-at|title=Kadima: Nothing to Bark-at|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Peggy|last=Cidor|date=19 January 2006|access-date=27 November 2017}} from 2006 - 2007, then a powerhouse in Israeli politics, but left due to disagreements with the proposal to relinquish portions of Jerusalem.{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Olmert-moves-to-keep-Kadima-united|title=Olmert moves to keep Kadima united|work=The Jerusalem Post|date=20 September 2007|access-date=27 November 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/no-one-in-kadima-is-asking-if-j-lem-will-be-divided-just-how-1.229770|title=No One in Kadima Is Asking if J'lem Will Be Divided, Just How|last=Shragai|first=Nadav|date=21 September 2007|work=Haaretz|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3453168,00.html|title=Kadima MKs vow to fight Ramon's withdrawal plan|date=24 September 2007|work=Ynetnews|first=Amnon |last=Meranda|access-date=27 November 2017}}

=Mayor of Jerusalem=

Barkat ran for a second time in November 2008, this time winning the election with 52% of the vote (his main rival, Meir Porush, won 43%). Barkat was described as a secular politician, contrasting with both Lupoliansky and Porush, who are Haredi.{{cite news|title=Secularist 'wins Jerusalem vote'|work = BBC News|date = 11 November 2008|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7721298.stm}}{{cite book |title=Jerusalem: The Contested City |page=197 |first=Menachem |last=Klein |date=2001 |publisher=C. Hurst & Co. |location=London |isbn=1-85065-575-8}} He ran on a platform of increasing tourism, finding solutions to the housing crisis, and opposing the light rail. He also vowed to make city council more approachable and transparent and decried the use of the mayors office a stepping stone to national politics.{{Cite web|url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/128179|title=Candidates for Jerusalem Mayor Duke it Out in Debate|website=Israel National News|date=November 2008 |language=en|access-date=27 November 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Barkat-favors-buses-to-light-train|title=Barkat favors buses to light train|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Edgar|last=Lefkovits|date=13 November 2008|access-date=27 November 2017}} Controversies during his first term included the dismissal of city council member Rachel Azaria{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/International/Jlem-mayor-fires-coalition-member-over-court-petition|title=J'lem mayor fires coalition member over court petition|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Melanie|last=Lidman|date=21 October 2011|access-date=27 November 2017}} and his proposal for relinquishing predominantly Arab populated neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city limits.{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-mks-slam-jerusalem-mayor-for-suggesting-surrender-of-palestinian-neighborhoods-1.403184|title=Israel MKs Slam Jerusalem Mayor for Suggesting Surrender of Palestinian Neighborhoods|last=Haaretz|date=23 December 2011|work=Haaretz|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en}} He helped to initiate the city's first international marathon in 2011{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/days-after-terror-attack-jerusalem-hits-the-pavement-with-first-marathon-1.351673|title=Days After Terror Attack, Jerusalem Hits the Pavement With First Marathon|last=Hasson|first=Nir|date=25 March 2011|work=Haaretz|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en}} and has personally participating in races both in Jerusalem and abroad.{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/how-nir-barkat-runs-jerusalem/|title=How Nir Barkat runs Jerusalem|work=The Times of Israel|first=Melanie|last=Lidman|date=15 March 2016|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en-US}}

In 2013, he ran for a second term, during which he was endorsed by the Labor Party, and also by a range of prominent Likud activists; he also had the tacit support of Meretz, which withdrew its candidate, Pepe Alalu, in order not to steal votes away from Barkat.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/an-unexpectedly-bitter-battle-for-jerusalem-enters-its-final-stage/|title=An unexpectedly bitter battle for Jerusalem enters its final stage|website=The Times of Israel|first=Raphael|last=Ahren|date=10 October 2013|access-date=25 January 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Barkat-endorsed-by-dozens-of-Likud-supporters-in-open-letter-324362|title=Barkat endorsed by dozens of Likud supporters in open letter|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Daniel K.|last=Eisenbud|date=27 August 2013|access-date=25 January 2023}} His opponent Moshe Lion had backing from Avigdor Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beiteinu party and Aryeh Deri, head of Shas.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/23/jerusalem-mayor-nir-barkat-reelected|title=Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat wins second term after tough election race|agency=Associated Press|date=23 October 2013|newspaper=The Guardian}} Barkat was re-elected with 52% of the vote compared to his main opponent Moshe Lion former head of the Jerusalem Development Authority, who ran as the Likud candidate who garnered 43% of the electorate.{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.553910|title=Israel Election Results Barkat Retains Jerusalem, Three Mayors Facing Criminal Charges Re-elected|first1=Nir|last1=Hasson|last2=Haaretz|date=23 October 2013|newspaper=Haaretz}}{{cite web |url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/173112 |title=Barkat Re-elected in Jerusalem |author=Elad Benari |date=23 October 2013 |work=Israel National News }}{{Cite news|url=http://hamodia.com/2013/10/22/incumbents-carry-most-israeli-municipal-elections-amid-disappointing-turnout/|title=Incumbents Carry Most Israeli Municipal Elections Amid Disappointing Turnout - Hamodia Jewish and Israel News|date=22 October 2013|work=Hamodia|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en-US}} Lion has since served as a member of city council and in 2015 joined Barkat's coalition.{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Jerusalem-mayor-announces-coalition-with-former-rival-Moshe-Lion-413027|title=Jerusalem mayor announces coalition with former rival Moshe Lion|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=27 November 2017}} Following the tense campaign, Barkat was fined NIS 400,000 for improper use of election funds.{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalems-mayor-fined-for-improper-use-of-election-funds/|title=Jerusalem's mayor fined for improper use of election funds|work=The Times of Israel|first=Avi|last=Lewis|date=1 October 2014|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en-US}} Since his election as Mayor, Barkat served the city for a salary of one shekel a year.{{cite web|url=http://reshet.tv/News_n/heb/news/programs/WeekendNewscast/articlenews,34506/|title=לאן אתה רץ, ניר ברקת?|last=Reshet|access-date=15 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223221355/http://reshet.tv/News_n/heb/news/programs/WeekendNewscast/articlenews,34506/|archive-date=23 February 2016|url-status=dead}}

Controversies of his second term included the Formula 1 exhibition,{{Cite web|url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/185904|title=Barkat: Formula One an Appropriate Answer to Int'l Criticism|website=Israel National News|date=7 October 2014 |language=en|access-date=27 November 2017}} part of the mayor's effort to raise Jerusalem's status as a cultural capital of the world and increase tourism. The Jerusalem Formula One event took place in 2013{{Cite news|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/136733/nir-barkat-jerusalem|title=Mayor Nir Barkat's Lack of Poetry Has Brought Jerusalem Back From the Dead|work=Tablet Magazine|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en}} and in 2014 but garnered criticism for street closures which led to school cancellations, over expenditures, and its appropriateness for the city.{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.619556|title=No Racing Around Jerusalem for Ordinary Folks - Formula One Is in Town|last=Hasson|first=Nir|date=6 October 2014|work=Haaretz|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/the-wrong-formula-for-jerusalem/|title=The wrong formula for Jerusalem|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en-US}} Other controversies included planned addition to the light rail, specifically the blue line, which was planned to run down Emek Refaim street.{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Center-Field-Stop-Mayor-Barkats-train-of-pain-on-Emek-Refaim-Street-506652|title=Center Field: Stop Mayor Barkat's 'train of pain' on Emek Refaim Street|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Gil|last=Troy|date=3 October 2017|access-date=27 November 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://services.globes.co.il/en/article-german-colony-residents-protest-light-rail-plans-1001173313|title=German Colony residents protest light rail plans - Globes English|website=Globes|language=he|access-date=27 November 2017|date=23 January 2017}} Barkat also had a long-running feud with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon over funding which led to city-wide strikes several years in a row.{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/WATCH-First-day-of-strike-in-Jerusalem-533018|title=WATCH: Garbage piles up as Jerusalem enters day 1 of municipality strike|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=25 March 2018}} Kahlon argued that Barkat was wasting funding and mismanagement,{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Barkat-leads-demonstration-blocking-Knesset-with-dump-trucks-to-protest-Kahlon-434301|title=Barkat leads demonstration blocking Knesset with dump trucks to protest Kahlon|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Daniel K.|last=Eisenbud|date=16 November 2015|access-date=25 March 2018}} while Barkat argued that Kahlon was withholding funds for political reasons.{{Cite web|url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/240347|title=Jerusalem municipality declares general strike|website=Israel National News|date=7 January 2018 |language=en|access-date=25 March 2018}} The resulting strikes caused garbage to pile up throughout the city and the threat of mass dismissals of municipal employees.{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/In-Jerusalem/Jerusalem-of-gold-and-money-532817|title=Jerusalem of gold and money|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Peggy|last=Cidor|date=4 January 2018|access-date=25 March 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5067106,00.html|title=Jerusalem residents scatter trash around mayor's home|date=1 June 2018|work=Ynetnews|first=Adi|last=Rozenberg|access-date=25 March 2018|language=en}}

In December 2015 Barkat joined the Likud party.{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-mayor-nir-barkat-announces-hes-joining-likud/|title=Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat announces he's joining Likud|work=The Times of Israel|date=22 December 2015|access-date=27 November 2017|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Politics-And-Diplomacy/Jerusalem-mayor-Nir-Barkat-joins-the-Likud-calls-on-supporters-to-do-the-same-438030|title=Barkat joins Likud after leadership primary announcement|work=The Jerusalem Post|first=Lahav|last=Harkov|date=22 December 2015|access-date=27 November 2017}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/205298|title=Nir Barkat joins Likud, hints at possible MK run|website=Israel National News|date=22 December 2015 |language=en|access-date=27 November 2017}} He previously endorsed Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu for Prime Minister in the 2013 and 2015 Knesset elections.{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-mayor-endorses-netanyahu|title=Jerusalem mayor endorses Netanyahu for PM|website=The Times of Israel|first=Gabe|last=Fisher|date=21 January 2013|access-date=25 January 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalem-mayor-endorses-netanyahu-for-top-job/#!|title=Jerusalem mayor endorses Netanyahu for top job|website=The Times of Israel|first=Avi|last=Lewis|date=23 February 2015|access-date=25 January 2023}} In March 2018 he announced his intention to run for national politics rather than seek re-election for a third term as mayor.{{Cite news|url=http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-jerusalem-mayor-nir-barkat-to-quit-and-enter-national-politics-1001229173|title=Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat to quit and enter national politics - Globes English|website=Globes|date=25 March 2018 |language=he|access-date=25 March 2018}}

Since the mid-2000s, Jerusalem has developed into a regional center for tech start-ups, and was named the #1 emerging tech hub by Entrepreneur magazine.{{cite web|url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/245355|title=5 Emerging Tech Hubs From Around the World|first=Zach|last=Cutler|date=23 April 2015}} Barkat's administration has provided incentives, tax breaks, and grants for companies with employees living in the city. By 2016, over 500 start-ups had been established in Jerusalem, bringing in upwards of $243 million in investment in the first nine months of 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/.premium-1.698864|title=Jerusalem of Silicon: Capital's Startup Scene Turns Hot|first=Inbal|last=Orpaz|date=21 January 2016|newspaper=Haaretz}} "'After the election of [Mayor Nir] Barkat, personal activism strengthened in the city. People felt they had influence, and it really connected with the entrepreneurial character', said Dana Mann, a partner in PICO Ventures, and previously a partner in OurCrowd."

Barkat has come under fire from some women's rights activists.{{Who|date=November 2017}} Some women on the Jerusalem City Council have protested illegal modesty signs.{{Who|date=November 2017}} Jerusalem city councilwoman Rachel Azaria, who brought the case of gender-segregated buses in Jerusalem to the court's attention, was fired by Barkat.[https://news.yahoo.com/gender-segregation-rise-israel-065743297.html Gender segregation on rise in Israel] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305025731/http://news.yahoo.com/gender-segregation-rise-israel-065743297.html |date=5 March 2016 }} Yahoo, 8 November 2011 Laura Wharton, a member of Jerusalem City Council, complained about the illegal modesty signs, but claims she was brushed off."[http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/routine-emergencies/1.641644 Jerusalem women launch fight against 'degrading and discriminatory' modesty signs] Haaretz, 9 February 2015 Barkat has criticized Women of the Wall for their confrontational efforts to pray at the Kotel.[http://www.timesofisrael.com/barkat-let-the-palestinians-rename-ramallah-as-jerusalem/ Barkat: Let the Palestinians rename Ramallah as ‘Jerusalem’] The Times of Israel, 7 May 2013

File:2012 07 05 Nir Barkat.jpg in 2012.]]

= 2015 terrorist attack =

In February 2015, Barkat garnered international attention when he intervened after seeing a Palestinian man trying to stab a Jewish person. Barkat succeeded in physically subduing the attacker, with the Mayoral security detail coming in immediately afterward and the victim receiving first aid. The Tzahal Square incident prompted responses from figures such as former Israeli ambassador to the United States Michael Oren, who stated that Barkat had "courageously" acted, as well as commentators on Facebook who shared tongue-in-cheek images depicting Barkat as Batman, Neo, and other film characters.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2015/02/jerusalem-mayor-Nir-Barkat-subdues-kife-wielding-attacker/385795/#Note|title=Jerusalem's Mayor Subdues Knife-Wielding Attacker|first=Adam|last=Chandler|website=The Atlantic |date=23 February 2015}} In October 2015, he encouraged Israelis to carry guns as a "duty" in light of increased tensions. His comments were criticised by various commentators.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/jerusalem-mayor-nir-barkat-tells-people-to-carry-firearms-as-violence-threatens-to-escalate-a6685651.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220621/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/jerusalem-mayor-nir-barkat-tells-people-to-carry-firearms-as-violence-threatens-to-escalate-a6685651.html |archive-date=21 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Jerusalem mayor tells Israelis to carry firearms at all times|website=Independent.co.uk |date=8 October 2015}}

=National politics=

In March 2018 he announced he would not run for another term in the Municipal Election, and instead will join the Likud Party, to be a member of Knesset in next elections. On 4 December 2018, he ceased serving as mayor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronated-lion-vows-to-succeed-king-david-573497|title=Jerusalem's new mayor Lion vows to succeed King David|date=4 December 2018|website=Jerusalem Post}}

Barkat was appointed Minister of Economy and Industry on 1 January 2023, on behalf of his party, the Likud.{{Cite web |title= Nir Barkat: Minister of Economy and Industry |date=1 January 2023 |website= Israel government website |url= https://www.gov.il/en/departments/people/nir-barkat |access-date= 27 March 2024}}

After the Israeli military police in July 2024 visited Sde Teiman detention camp to detain nine Israeli soldiers suspected of abuse of a Palestinian prisoner, Barkat declared: "I support our fighters and call on the defense minister to immediately put a stop to the despicable show trial against them."{{cite news |last1=Peleg |first1=Bar |last2=Solomon |first2=Eden |last3=Maanit |first3=Chen |last4=Kubovich |first4=Yaniv |title=IDF Moves Troops to Base Where Violent Mob Protested Arrest of Soldiers for Abusing Gaza Detainee |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-07-30/ty-article/.premium/idf-move-troops-to-base-where-mob-protested-arrest-of-soldiers-for-abusing-gaza-detainee/00000191-008a-d643-a1d1-b88eb6730001 |access-date=30 July 2024 |work=Haaretz |date=30 July 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240730082455/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-07-30/ty-article/.premium/idf-move-troops-to-base-where-mob-protested-arrest-of-soldiers-for-abusing-gaza-detainee/00000191-008a-d643-a1d1-b88eb6730001 |archive-date=30 July 2024}}

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20081222234244/http://www.barkat.org.il/Default.aspx Nir Barkat official campaign page - Hebrew]
Sari Makover-Belikov, [https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5605265,00.html 'After Netanyahu - it's my turn'], Ynetnews, October 14, 2019