Economy Minister Nir Barkat plans to run for the leadership of the Likud in the upcoming elections, Kan 11 News reported on Monday evening.
In a conversation with party members, Barkat reportedly said, "After the war, we need to turn to the people and gain their trust again. I am working according to an agenda - and it is nearing its end."
Minister Barkat said in response to the report, "I do not intend to cooperate with self-interested political parties seeking to drive a wedge between me and the Prime Minister."
"It's no secret that I have a factual and professional criticism regarding the budget issue, which I believe will be resolved in favor of the people of Israel," he added.
Barkat skipped the vote on the state budget on Sunday, a move that was criticized within the Likud.
For example, MK Eliyahu Revivo said in an interview with Radio Tzafon that "Minister Barkat, in more and more issues, does not see eye to eye with the government because of his own considerations. At some point he will have to put it to the test of the Likud and general public and explain what the real reasons are."
On the question of whether Barkat is thinking about the future in Likud after the war, Revivo said, "This is not a time that anyone can afford to take time off to engage in political considerations."
Barkat has in the past spoke of his desire to lead the Likud one day, but had insisted he will only run for the party leadership once Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu steps down.