Matan Kahana Defends Yashar! Strategy and Rejects Merger with Bennett
Yashar! candidate Matan Kahana defended Gadi Eisenkot's strategy of running independently rather than merging with Naftali Bennett, claiming a four-headed opposition bloc maximizes the chance to replace Benjamin Netanyahu. Kahana also pitched the party as the true home for National Religious voters.
Matan Kahana Defends Yashar! List and Strategy
MK Matan Kahana, ranked fifth on the electoral list of the newly formed "Yashar!" party led by Gadi Eisenkot, spoke with journalists Gideon Oko and Amichai Attali on 103fm. Kahana discussed the party's candidate lineup, the decision not to merge with Naftali Bennett's list, and the party's appeal to the National Religious community.
Kahana emphasized his extensive political experience, having served as a minister and a member of the security cabinet, where he led significant reforms and challenged monopolies. Addressing the composition of the "Yashar!" list, Kahana stated:
"We have built a highly diverse list representing all of Israel, featuring people who are new to politics but possess significant professional experience, alongside seasoned politicians who have served as ministers and Knesset members."
Preventing Defections and the Decision Not to Merge
When asked about the risk of future political defections, referencing Idit Silman's exit that collapsed the previous change government, Kahana assured that Gadi Eisenkot handpicked the candidates with extreme care. He dismissed any possibility of similar betrayals within the party.
Regarding the decision not to run on a joint list with Naftali Bennett's "Bennett 2026" or the "Be-яхад" alliance, Kahana explained that the discussions were held at the highest levels directly between Eisenkot and Bennett.
"In all polls and in-depth studies, it was clear that running as four separate heads is what would yield the highest result for the bloc. Gadi succeeded in organizing the bloc so there are four distinct heads. Anyone who wants to replace Netanyahu can find their place in one of these four parties. A vote for other parties is a wasted vote."
Coalition Building and the National Religious Vote
Kahana defined the primary goal of the upcoming elections as replacing the current government, which he blamed for the October 7 failures. He stated that "Yashar!" does not rule out partnering with Bezalel Smotrich or other Zionist parties, provided they agree on core values.
Addressing potential partnerships with left-wing figures like Yair Golan, Kahana noted that coalitions must be built with diverse partners. He contrasted this with the current coalition, criticizing ultra-Orthodox leaders Yitzhak Goldknopf and Aryeh Deri, whose constituents, he noted, do not serve in the military.
Finally, Kahana positioned "Yashar!" as the true home for the classic, state-oriented National Religious public, noting that the party's list includes prominent skullcap-wearing candidates who have excelled in various professional fields.
