Who is nir barkat

Now a member of the main opposition party, Likud, Barkat has never served in the cabinet. Nonetheless, the year-old high-tech entrepreneur — whose net worth is estimated at several hundred million dollars — has consistently polled as the favorite to succeed former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the leader of the nationalist camp.

While Netanyahu has vowed to remain as head of the opposition, Barkat seeks to pave his own path to the premiership. That path took a detour into the U. He visited Washington and New York to promote legislation he is sponsoring to block the re-opening of a U. Consulate in Jerusalem to serve Palestinians — and to introduce himself to Americans who know little of him.

The math is on his side. In the current Knesset, an overwhelming majority — 72 out of the members — identify themselves as right-wing. Barkat, who has said he would run for prime minister if and when Netanyahu retires, could claim a majority-governing coalition in the event of new elections.

People see me, hopefully, as somebody that could be put to power and make a big difference. He is married to artist Beverly Barkat, with whom he has three daughters. I want to Thinking of making Aliyah? Nir Barkat Nir Barkat served as mayor of Jerusalem in the years Print Send Mail Share. Tools and services. JPost Premium. Ulpan Online. JPost Newsletter. JPost News Ticker. Our Magazines. Learn Hebrew. RSS feed. Digital Library.

Promo Content. Special Content. Sites Of Interest. All that is known is that Bennett invested about 10 years ago in equity of an Israeli startup in the fintech sector which is currently being sold to another company for billions of dollars. Bennett's entourage is declining to provide additional details about the company in order not to harm the deal, which is in the final stages of being agreed.