Amit Segal under fire: "His whole intention is to sabotage the Likud"
Against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding Nir Barkat and the crisis within the Likud party, screenwriter Meni Asayag criticized Amit Segal's reporting, stating there is a very high probability that the journalist's goal is to harm the ruling party.
Amit Segal, a political commentator and anchor at Channel 12 News, sparked a storm in the political system and Israeli media after publishing details regarding the tense relationship between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Economy Nir Barkat.
The journalist claimed that Barkat allegedly attempted to organize a move to replace Netanyahu during the war. According to Segal, Netanyahu did not dismiss him from the government for a specific reason:
"Netanyahu did not feel he had enough margin then to give up a vote in the Knesset. Today, in my opinion, it is because of Barkat's litigation fund, which also funds lawsuits for people close to the hearts of people in Netanyahu's office."
In response to the report, the Minister of Economy appeared on the "Patriots" program and stated:
"The whole event is Channel 12, I am causing them damage. I only expressed criticism, that's all."
Segal, who frequently reports on the ruling party ahead of primaries and elections, was mentioned by screenwriter Meni Asayag on the social network X:
"My opinion is that there is a not-low chance that Amit Segal was accurate in his exposure regarding Minister Nir Barkat. There is some chance that he was accurate in his exposure regarding the fear in the party of the excellent Tally Gotliv. A very, very high chance, and even a very high one, that his whole intention is to sabotage the Likud movement. Always question journalists, always."
Against the backdrop of these publications, the Minister of Economy and Industry launched a new campaign ahead of the primaries under the slogan: "Whoever doesn't choose Barkat - chooses Channel 12 libel." Minister Barkat delivered a sharp message to the public:
"They are trying to eliminate me in the primaries because I didn't stay silent. Since I defended the soldiers of Force 100 and led a determined struggle against Channel 12 news, they have been publishing false investigations and smears about me non-stop. For 24 years I have been serving the public out of faith and mission and without asking for anything in return. I am here because I love the country and the people of Israel with all my heart. Do not let Channel 12 libel and elements in the media determine the list for the Likud."
