The deputy speaker of the Knesset, Nissim Vaturi, sparked outrage after endorsing the views of ultranationalist rabbi Meir Kahane, who previously advocated for the expulsion of Arabs from Israel. During a parliamentary debate on Wednesday, Vaturi, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, expressed support for Kahane’s ideology, which has been widely condemned as extremist.
Vaturi made his remarks while criticizing former leaders of the Likud party for their rejection of Kahane’s views. He stated, “I support it. Believe me, Kahane was right in many ways where we were wrong, where the people of Israel were wrong.” This statement prompted backlash from various Knesset members who pointed out Kahane’s classification as a terrorist by the Israeli government.
Controversial Legacy of Meir Kahane
Meir Kahane was elected to the Knesset in 1984, representing the Kach movement, which was later banned as a terrorist organization. His time in the Knesset was marked by hostility from fellow MPs, including a public walkout whenever he spoke. Kahane’s advocacy for a Jewish theocracy and his explicitly racist policies drew condemnation, and he was ostracized by mainstream political parties. He was assassinated in New York City on November 5, 1990, and his movement faced further disqualification after one of his followers, Baruch Goldstein, carried out a massacre in Hebron in 1994.
Vaturi’s comments have reignited discussions about the normalization of extremist views within Israeli politics. Naama Lazimi, a member of the Knesset from the Democratic party, condemned Vaturi’s remarks and called for a criminal investigation, asserting that they represent a troubling escalation of “Jewish terror.”
Responses from Political Figures
While some members of the Knesset expressed outrage, others within the Likud party also criticized Vaturi. Moshe Saada stated on Army Radio that previous Likud leaders had acted correctly by excluding Kahane, describing him as “not a democrat” and fundamentally opposed to the party’s values. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear distinction from extremist ideologies.
In contrast, Anton Shalhat, chair of the I’lam Media Center, noted that Vaturi’s remarks expose an underestimated level of support for Kahanist ideology within Israel. He remarked on the historical context, stating, “Whenever there is a national confrontation, slogans like ‘Kahane was right’ appear on the streets,” suggesting that such sentiments have become increasingly visible and accepted.
Vaturi’s endorsement of Kahane aligns with a broader trend within Israeli politics, particularly seen in the actions of members from Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power party. Recently, two of Ben-Gvir’s MPs participated in a conference commemorating the 35th anniversary of Kahane’s death. Ben-Gvir himself is known for his admiration of Kahane and has previously expressed support for annexing the West Bank.
The growing acceptance of Kahanist ideology is reflected in the activities of far-right political parties that have emerged since Kach’s ban. These parties, like Jewish Power, are seen as continuing Kahane’s legacy, with increasing influence within the political landscape of Israel.
Shalhat concluded that the rise of these extremist views marks a significant shift in Israeli politics, where once marginal opinions are now held by those in power. “What remains is a centrist bloc leaning slightly to the right,” he noted, emphasizing the drastic change in the political spectrum over the last two decades.
As the discourse surrounding Kahane and his ideology continues to evolve, Vaturi’s remarks have not only reignited historical debates but also raised critical questions about the future direction of Israeli politics and society.
