National Unity MK confirms he’s trying to recruit Bennett; Gantz: ‘Nothing political on the agenda’

Then-MKs Naftali Bennett (R) and Matan Kahana at the Knesset in Jerusalem, June 2, 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)
Then-MKs Naftali Bennett (R) and Matan Kahana at the Knesset in Jerusalem, June 2, 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

National Unity MK Matan Kahana confirms a recent meeting with Naftali Bennett and says he tried to convince the former prime minister to join Benny Gantz’s party.

“I think this is the right thing for the State of Israel, and I will continue to work to make it happen,” he writes, while affirming his loyalty to Gantz and the National Unity party.

Kahana previously served as both MK and minister for Bennett’s Yamina and New Right parties.

Another National Unity MK, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, also says she would not rule out Bennett joining the party, telling Army Radio, “We’ll do what’s best for Israel, the people need connection and a message of unity.”

Gantz downplayed the rumors, according to the Maariv daily: “Naftali Bennett is a worthy man, I’ve met with him many times. Matan Kahana is his friend, but there’s nothing political on the agenda.”

Bennett, who served as prime minister as part of a unity government with Opposition Leader Yair Lapid in 2022, is believed to be planning a yet-to-be-announced return to politics. In recent months, he has topped electoral polls despite not currently being involved in any capacity.

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