Matan Kahana Criticizes Government's Lebanon Policy and Urges Stronger Action Against Hezbollah

Former Israeli minister Matan Kahana sharply criticized the current government's handling of security in northern Israel, accusing it of losing Israel's freedom of action in Lebanon. Speaking on 103FM on August 6, 2026, Kahana blamed Prime Minister Netanyahu's leadership for Israel becoming dependent on the United States, particularly former President Trump, in managing the conflict with Hezbollah. He said, "Under Netanyahu's leadership, Israel lost its freedom of action in Lebanon and cannot respond as it should." Kahana argued that the government failed to develop a strategy to end the war, instead relying on a narrative of imminent "total victory" that prevented practical planning.

Kahana also referenced former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, praising his strategy of retaliatory strikes in the Dahiya area of Lebanon whenever Israel was attacked. He warned that the current government’s approach risks returning to endless cycles of conflict with mutual deterrence, similar to the situation before the October 7 attacks. Kahana called for decisive strikes against Hezbollah, stating, "We are done playing with them; every violation should be met with the demolition of one or two buildings in Dahiya to impose a heavy price."

Regarding Qatar, Kahana described the country as hostile to Israel, accusing it of funding and supporting Hamas and harming Israel internationally. However, he acknowledged the complexity of the issue and said it requires serious consideration. On the political front, Kahana dismissed the idea that the political landscape is settled, predicting new parties will emerge. He urged voters to consider who will continue Netanyahu's rule and who will work to end it, noting skepticism about new parties' intentions.

Finally, Kahana addressed the internal Likud conflict surrounding Gadi Eizenkot, highlighting that many Likud voters respect Eizenkot, which explains the party's harsh campaign against him. He said, "They are in shock and under pressure because Eizenkot is the second most popular figure among Likud voters and is seen as a unifying future prime minister."