Matan Kahana rejects Smotrich's criticism over Knesset Speaker role

MK Matan Kahana dismissed Bezalel Smotrich's call to refuse the Knesset Speaker position if supported by Arab parties, expressing trust in Gadi Eisenkot to form a broad Zionist government.

Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich delivered a sharp statement today (Tuesday) at a press conference marking the swearing-in of the Knesset, attacking former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Smotrich accused Eisenkot of "a frenzied rush into the arms of Israel's enemies, anti-Zionist terror supporters" in order to defeat his domestic rivals. He called on MK Matan Kahana to refuse the position of Knesset Speaker if it is granted with the support of the Arab parties, calling it "moral bankruptcy and a loss of ethical composure." Smotrich also addressed the ultra-Orthodox and warned them against the "honey trap" of cooperating with elements that would try to oust Netanyahu and the right.