Israeli MK Proposes Minority Government, Eyes Defectors from Likud

Member of Knesset Matan Kahana of the National Unity Party stated that his party aims to become the largest in Israel, surpassing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud, to form a "broad Zionist government" led by Gadi Eisenkot. Kahana, who claims to be the party's record holder for home-based meetings, noted that many traditional right-wing voters, including those who previously supported the current coalition, are disillusioned with Netanyahu and Likud and are seeking an alternative. He asserted that National Unity's polling average for the past month is 20 seats, and their strategy is to convince voters to make them the largest party to ensure Netanyahu's departure and legitimize a new government.

Kahana outlined strict conditions for coalition participation, stating that National Unity will not sit with Arab parties that do not define Hamas as a terrorist organization to be destroyed. He also ruled out political cooperation with the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties, such as Shas or United Torah Judaism, unless they commit to universal national service. Kahana suggested that a government led by Eisenkot could integrate Haredi citizens into Israel's economy and security through a combination of incentives and consequences.

Addressing the possibility of defectors from the Likud, Kahana revealed that his party is in contact with Likud Knesset members, suggesting that Eisenkot speaks with some of them more than Netanyahu does. He envisioned a scenario where, after forming a majority of "Zionist Jews," they would replace Netanyahu. This could lead to either expanding the existing Knesset to form a government or proceeding to new elections with their party leading a transitional government focused on national interests and ending perceived Haredi draft evasion.

Kahana vehemently rejected any possibility of joining a government led by Netanyahu, whom he holds primarily responsible for the October 7th massacre. He criticized Netanyahu's judgment, citing the continued employment of an individual allegedly paid by Qatar during the war to influence Israelis in favor of the Hamas-funding nation. Kahana also addressed past political maneuvers, including his own role in convincing Rabbi Druckman to allow Netanyahu to form a government with Ra'am, acknowledging it may not have been beneficial for Israel but emphasizing a forward-looking approach.

Regarding potential partnerships, Kahana distinguished between ideological disagreements with figures like Yair Golan and the core principles of a "covenant of servants" versus draft evasion. He stressed that Eisenkot, not Golan, would set the government's agenda, prioritizing those who serve alongside him in the military over those who evade conscription.