Minister and former Knesset member Matan Kahane announced this evening (Saturday) that he will run in the upcoming elections as part of Gadi Eisenkot's party.
In a post he published after the end of Shabbat, Kahane explained that he chose to continue his political path alongside Eisenkot, after a long partnership built between them in recent years.
Kahane wrote: "I am writing the following in light of questions that have been directed at me regarding the continuation of my political path.
About four years ago, Naftali Bennett informed me that he did not intend to run in the elections for the 25th Knesset, and after a rare political partnership that was based on long-standing friendships dating back to our days together in Sayeret Matkal, he 'freed' me to act in the political path I chose. He also said that he would help me to the best of his ability to integrate into a place that suited me, and as a true friend *he did*.
A few months after that conversation, Gadi Eisenkot approached me and offered me to join him on his new path in politics and become part of the Eisenkot group in the State Camp party. In Gadi's approach to me, I saw a great privilege and was happy to continue my political path with such a privileged man.
My joining the State Camp party was not a simple matter. More than one source pointed out to me that Eisenkot fought for it and made his joining the State Camp conditional on my coming with him.
In the conversation in which we concluded our partnership, Gadi told me that the only loyalty he demands is loyalty to the State of Israel. In everything related to our relationship - trust will be enough for him.
To my great joy, over the past four years, a relationship based on complete trust has been built between Gadi and me. Before every step I took that I thought might "stir up interest", before every meeting that I assumed would be sensitive, before every publication I published that I thought might stir up controversy – I always consulted him. Gadi always allowed me to go with the things I believed in even if he didn't always agree with them. Gadi shared with me his hesitations about resigning from the Knesset and leaving the state camp, and he knew that if and when he decided to leave, I would resign from the Knesset with him.
For the past four years, I have been Gadi's political partner. During these years, I have come to know a man of values, decisiveness, balance, and calmness. I have come to know a very wise leader with broad strategic vision and a phenomenal ability to delve into the depths and remember the smallest details. I have come to know a brave warrior who knows how to make decisions even in opposition to accepted positions.
I was amazed by Gadi's ability, even in the most difficult hours and days after the fall of his son Gal in battle, to continue to engage with the fate of the country and even deepen his personal commitment to its future.
We are facing a fateful election campaign for the future of the country. I believe in Gadi's leadership, in his path, in the values that lead him, and I think he is built from the elements that the State of Israel needs now. I understand that my added value to the strengthening of the camp working to change the government is higher in the Yashar! party with Eisenkot.
Under Gadi's leadership and together with an excellent team that we are establishing, we will work tirelessly to turn the Yashar! Party into a political home for a large national religious public that is seeking representation that is consistent with its values, outlook, and contribution to the country.
I owe my entry into politics to my colleague in Sayeret Matkal, Naftali Bennett. We have walked a significant path together in the political field as well, and I can attest to the fact that his dedication to the people of Israel and the State of Israel is endless. I am convinced that in one way or another we will continue to collaborate in the future.
Together with Eisenkot, I will continue to lead the Yesh! party. We will offer the people of Israel a state and honest alternative that sees the good of the State of Israel before any personal or sectoral interest. We will work with all our might to establish a broad Zionist government in which all those who believe in a Jewish and democratic State of Israel in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence will be partners.
"In the name of God, we will do it and succeed.".
Join the Haredim 10 Facebook page >>
Join the X page of Haredim 10 >>
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
