Nir Barkat Pours 744,000 Shekels Into Likud Primaries, Doubling Legal Cap
Economy Minister Nir Barkat invested 744,000 shekels of his own funds in his Likud primary campaign, nearly doubling the legal spending limit of 380,000 shekels. The heavy self-funding and a 24th spot on the party list threaten his return to the Knesset.
Economy Minister Nir Barkat poured 744,000 shekels of his own money into his Likud primary campaign, according to data published on the State Comptroller's website. Despite the substantial personal investment, Barkat failed to secure a top spot on the party's electoral list for the 26th Knesset.
During the August primaries, Barkat garnered approximately 23,000 votes, finishing 15th in the national rankings. Following the integration of reserved slots and party adjustments, he was ultimately placed 24th on the Likud slate. State Comptroller records indicate Barkat self-funded his campaign through nine separate donations over the past year, with the final contribution recorded on October 8.
The self-financing total declared by Barkat is nearly double the statutory expenditure ceiling of 380,000 shekels permitted for incumbent candidates. Under a 2018 amendment to the Political Parties Law initiated by MK David Amsalem, the state finances primary expenses for incumbent members of parliament up to a cap determined by the size of the party electorate. In Likud, which boasts over 100,000 registered voters, the spending ceiling is capped at 380,000 shekels per candidate to reduce political dependence on wealthy donors.
This is not the first time Barkat's primary funding has faced regulatory scrutiny. Following the 2022 Likud primaries, the State Comptroller levied a 50,000-shekel fine after determining that Barkat spent roughly 561,000 shekels, exceeding the legal limit by approximately 70 percent. Regulators are expected to review the latest financial disclosures to determine whether further violations occurred.
Barkat's placement at number 24 on the electoral list casts doubt on his return to the legislature, particularly as recent polling places Likud at roughly 23 mandates. However, poll averages vary, with some projections offering up to 30 seats, leaving his political future dependent on final election results. Requests for comment were submitted to Nir Barkat and the State Comptroller's office.
