Former Minister Matan Kahana Praises Gadi Eizenkot as Israel’s Next Prime Minister, Criticizes Netanyahu

Former Minister and retired Lt. Col. Matan Kahana of the Yisrael! party spoke on 103fm about his party’s rising poll numbers and defended party leader Gadi Eizenkot against right-wing criticism. Speaking at the Eastern Galilee Conference at Tel Hai University on June 29, 2026, Kahana emphasized the importance of focusing on action rather than polls, stating, "Eizenkot should be the next Prime Minister. He is the cure for the State of Israel. Even those who don’t vote for him will benefit from his leadership."

Kahana addressed attacks against Eizenkot from the right, referencing a provocative article by Yotam Zamri in Makor Rishon. He dismissed claims that Eizenkot’s alleged phrase "the one who comes to kill you, rise early to kill him" was a cliché, clarifying it was taken out of context related to a tragic incident involving a girl who attacked soldiers. Kahana also sharply criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of handing over Hebron, seeking to reduce the military, and famously calling Yasser Arafat "a friend," while repeatedly advocating for two states for two peoples.

Kahana portrayed Eizenkot as politically right of Netanyahu, recalling how Eizenkot invited him to join the party and positioned himself to the right of Netanyahu on all parameters. He reassured settlers in Judea and Samaria that Eizenkot supports all legally established outposts that serve Israel’s security interests and is a strong friend of Jewish settlement in the area. Kahana quoted Eizenkot as saying those who talk about a Palestinian state do not understand the conflict’s depth.

On education, Kahana said he is responsible for the party’s education platform, calling for a major reform that includes empowering school principals and creating new employment tracks for teachers. He declined to comment on whether he aspires to be Minister of Education, saying, "We don’t count our chickens before they hatch."

Regarding his longtime friendship with Naftali Bennett, Kahana said they remain close despite political differences and occasional lack of communication about party poll declines. He expressed confidence Bennett will play a significant role in the next coalition.

Kahana’s remarks highlight internal right-wing dynamics ahead of upcoming elections and underline his party’s positioning as a right-wing alternative to Netanyahu’s leadership.