Matan Kahana
מתן כהנא
Currently
Former Religious Services Minister
Who they are
Fighter pilot and commando turned religious-Zionist reformer; his kashrut and conversion reforms made him the establishment rabbinate's chief irritant. Left Blue & White alongside Eisenkot.
Positions & record
- Religion & state: Reform kashrut and conversion from within Orthodoxy.
- Service: Torah and service are not opposites.
- Politics: Followed Eisenkot out of National Unity.
Where they stand
Judea & Samariaparty lineSeparation via regional framework, security first
Two states / withdrawalSovereignty / annexation
Gaza & Securityparty lineHostage deal and a day-after arrangement
Deal & disengagementFull military control
Haredi Enlistmentparty lineNational service for every community
Universal draftPreserve exemptions
Judiciaryparty lineRestore checks, then consensual reform
Strengthen the courtCurb the court
Economyparty linePragmatic centrism, budget discipline
Social spendingFree market
Religion & Statepersonal positionReform the rabbinate from within Orthodoxy
Civil / pluralistHalachic status quo
Career
2013
Commands elite units after a fighter-pilot career.
2021
Religious Services Minister; launches reforms.
2025
Joins Yashar.