An indication of his status? Nir Barkat's unusual absence from the polling station

Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, who in previous election cycles used to stand for long hours at the entrance to the polling station at Binyanei HaUma in Jerusalem, did not arrive there today (Monday). The absence is notable against the backdrop of the struggle Barkat is waging for his place on the Likud list, yet on the ground he still enjoys support: his name appears in some of the deals in Jerusalem, and at least in that of vote contractor Itzik Koifman.

The Likud primaries are in full swing, and at Binyanei HaUma in Jerusalem, a particularly notable absence is recorded: Minister of Economy Nir Barkat did not arrive during the day at the polling station at the site. This draws attention, mainly in light of Barkat's conduct in previous cycles. In the last primaries, and also in the internal elections recently held in Likud, he showed up at Binyanei HaUma as early as the morning hours and remained in the area of the polling station entrance until the end of the voting.

In the internal elections in Jerusalem, for example, Barkat stood at the entrance to the polling station and shook the hands of the voters on their way to cast their ballots. The list in which he was a partner together with David Amsalem and central party recruiters in the city, including Itzik Koifman, won 62% of the votes at the time. This time the picture is different. Barkat was not seen at Binyanei HaUma, and his absence may raise questions in light of the battle he is waging for his place on the list. However, on the ground, he has not been left without support. Barkat appears in some of the deals distributed among Likud members in Jerusalem, and at least in the deal of vote contractor Itzik Koifman.

The absence takes on additional meaning against the backdrop of the last few days, in which Barkat's status has become one of the most discussed issues ahead of the primaries, as, as we published in the edition, the Minister of Economy acted after October 7 to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Barkat denied the claims.