Ex-Minister Kahana Slams Religious Zionism for Silence on Rabbi Lando's Remarks

Former Minister Matan Kahana, a candidate for the Yisrael party, has sharply criticized the leadership of the Religious Zionism party, particularly its chairman Bezalel Smotrich, for their silence following controversial remarks attributed to Rabbi Dov Lando, a leader of the Haredi-Lithuanian public. Kahana stated that while Rabbi Lando's comments themselves were not surprising, the lack of response from the Haredi parties' political partners was. Kahana expressed dismay that government leaders remained silent in the face of what he called "terrible statements" and "nonsense" directed at the national religious public and its fallen soldiers.

Kahana argued that Smotrich, who he said "pretends to represent the national religious public," is failing to confront his Haredi coalition partners, whom Kahana accused of despising the national religious worldview. He contrasted Smotrich's chosen coalition with a "covenant of those who serve," which he believes should be based on those who build and defend the country. Kahana specifically linked this to the issue of military service, questioning the morality of politicians from a sector that does not share the burden of service making decisions about sending soldiers into battle.

Addressing the lack of broader protest within the national religious public, Kahana suggested it stems from years of political partnership with Haredi parties, despite deep ideological divides regarding the state and military service. He believes this discontent will manifest in the upcoming elections. Kahana proposed an alternative political alliance, the "covenant of those who serve," which could include individuals with whom he has ideological disagreements, citing Yair Golan as an example, though Kahana admitted he doesn't agree with everything Golan says.

Kahana also set a clear condition for potential Haredi coalition partners: support for universal military service. He stated that he doesn't foresee any Haredi party supporting this and that only those who back the advancement of universal service would be considered coalition partners. Furthermore, Kahana refuted claims made by Smotrich that former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot had closed six tank brigades during his tenure, calling it a "lie" and asserting that Eisenkot left the army larger than he received it. Kahana pointed to the establishment of new units, including a commando brigade, during Eisenkot's command as evidence of army expansion.