Former MK Kahana and MK Woldiger Clash Over Security, Settlements, and National Priorities Ahead of 2026 Elections
As Israel approaches the 2026 elections, ynet hosted a debate between former MK Matan Kahana of the Yesh Atid party and current MK Michal Woldiger from the Religious Zionist Party. The discussion focused on key issues including security in Gaza, the future of the West Bank, national service, and economic reforms.
Kahana, a former deputy minister and IDF reserve colonel, criticized the current government’s rules of engagement in Gaza, claiming that 35,000 Hamas militants train openly near Israeli forces but are not targeted due to political restrictions. He accused the government of reverting to a long-standing Netanyahu-era policy that limits military action. Woldiger responded that eliminating Hamas will take years and defended the current ceasefire and rules of engagement, emphasizing the priority of protecting Israeli civilians and maintaining a Jewish state with Arabs integrated under Israeli sovereignty.
On the West Bank, Kahana supported a bi-national state with sovereignty and citizenship for Arabs in the area, rejecting the idea of a Palestinian state. He also accused Woldiger’s party of aligning with ultra-Orthodox opposition to military conscription, undermining Religious Zionist values. Woldiger denied this, stating her party supports Israel as a Jewish state with Arabs who respect its symbols and laws, and opposes a Palestinian state.
Regarding nationalist violence in the West Bank, Woldiger praised settlers’ contributions and called for police enforcement against illegal acts, while Kahana condemned the government for ignoring extremist violence and harming the settlement enterprise. On military conscription, Woldiger highlighted the need to integrate ultra-Orthodox youth into the army thoughtfully, whereas Kahana criticized his opponents for encouraging draft evasion and called for changing the default from exemption to enlistment.
On economic issues, Woldiger acknowledged ongoing cost-of-living challenges but cited government reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and improving wages. Kahana argued the government misallocates resources by supporting non-contributors instead of rewarding those serving in the military and workforce.
Both politicians shared personal interests, with Woldiger recalling a recent local running competition and Kahana discussing his musical background playing the flute and trumpet.
