Minister Nir Barkat on Friday denied reports that he had planned to act against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he remains fully loyal to the prime minister and has consistently supported him.

In an interview with Kan News on Reshet Bet, Barkat dismissed the claims and suggested they were being promoted by political opponents who view him as a threat.

“They are trying to eliminate me. They know very well that I am a threat to their future,” Barkat said.

Barkat said the issue had already been raised with him directly by Netanyahu roughly three years ago. According to Barkat, the prime minister summoned him for a conversation and confronted him about the claims at the time.

“About three years ago, the prime minister called me. I was with him in a conversation. He asked me and said things, and I denied it,” Barkat said. “I denied it then and I deny it today.”

Barkat then stressed his continued support for Netanyahu.

“I am loyal to the prime minister, I always supported him, I stood by him, and I stand by him today,” he said. “I think he is the most suitable person to lead the country.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)