Economy Minister Nir Barkat was criticized for calling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'supreme leader' during a TV program. Chaim Levinson and Ofira Asayag criticized Barkat for his comment, with Levinson stating that there is no 'supreme leader' in Israel. Barkat defended his statement, saying that Netanyahu is responsible for many important decisions and issues. Barkat also faced criticism for saying he had more important things to do than watch an interview with a freed hostage who described the impact of Israeli leaders' statements on Hamas's treatment of them.