Former Minister Matan Kahana Defends Gadi Eizenkot Against Calls for Immediate Dismissal

Former Minister Matan Kahana, a member of Gadi Eizenkot's Yashar! party, spoke at a Jerusalem event on Sunday, addressing concerns about the upcoming Israeli government coalition. Kahana reassured the audience, mainly from the religious Zionist sector, that many center-right members in the next government would moderate voices like those of Yair Golan and the Democratic Party. He emphasized that the coalition partners matter more than rhetoric, distinguishing between those opposing military service and those who support the IDF.

Kahana strongly opposed immediate dismissals of current government appointees, specifically defending Shin Bet chief David Zini, whom Golan promised to remove. He called the idea of firing officials on day one "a crazy thought" and expressed daily prayers for Zini's success. However, he acknowledged the need to halt some current government actions before they proceed.

On the West Bank, Kahana expressed personal support for the settlements, condemning nationalist violence as neither Jewish nor Torah-based and harmful to Israel and settlers. He criticized labeling settlers as violent due to a small number of offenders, highlighting the settlers' law-abiding nature and contributions. Kahana called for clear distinctions between legal settlements and unauthorized outposts.

Kahana also criticized Religious Zionism party leader Bezalel Smotrich for aligning with anti-conscription factions, arguing this alliance fractures the traditional religious Zionist base and undermines national unity. Despite his close ties to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Kahana endorsed Gadi Eizenkot as the best candidate for prime minister, citing his broad appeal, including among Likud supporters, which could help heal Israel's internal divisions.