According to dramatic testimony from a Likud MK obtained by C14, businessman Tzviel Rubin, who was elected this week to the 42nd spot in the Likud primaries, was allegedly involved in an effort to oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the period following October 7. According to the testimony, Rubin acted alongside Minister Nir Barkat and was at the time exploring the possibility of becoming his chief of staff.
2+The Likud MK testified that sometime after October 7, Rubin circulated through the Knesset seeking support for an effort he described as “moving the prime minister.” According to the testimony, Rubin claimed he was approaching lawmakers on behalf of himself and Barkat, arguing that following October 7 there was no alternative but to remove Netanyahu from his position. He allegedly presented a structured plan that included the possibility of establishing a breakaway “Likud B” party if the effort failed.
The MK described the alleged conversation to C14 in his own words: “He sat in my office and said he was approaching me on his own behalf and on behalf of Nir Barkat, and that they believed that after October 7 there was no longer any choice but to move the prime minister from his position. They were approaching people they viewed as ideological partners in this effort and wanted to know whether they would be willing to go with them on this or not. “It appeared to be a very well-organized plan. They also discussed that if the attempt failed, there would be no choice—those were his words—and they would have to establish ‘Likud B.’ Those were the exact words.”
2+The information could now have implications for the internal balance of power within the Likud faction. Alongside Rubin, his sister-in-law Keren Attias Bublil was elected to the 34th spot. Both are considered close to David Bitan, as the primary results potentially create an internal opposition bloc that could include Bitan, Barkat and Tally Gotliv.
Although Rubin and Bublil now publicly declare unequivocal support for Netanyahu, their disappointment over the prime minister actively campaigning against them in the primaries could potentially turn them into “free votes” within the new faction—and a future political headache for Netanyahu.
2+Rubin strongly denied the allegations. “I never worked for Minister Nir Barkat,” he said. “I find it very strange that immediately after my primary victory, apparently those disappointed by the results choose to invent stories. I supported and will continue to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is leading the State of Israel to tremendous achievements.”
Minister Nir Barkat’s office responded: “Tzvi’el Rubin never worked for Minister Barkat or acted on his behalf. Any other claim is a lie. The primaries are over and there’s no need to continue recycling lies that only harm Likud unity and the right’s chance of victory in the elections.”