MK Matan Kahana (National Unity Party) on Thursday called on the left-wing protesters who oppose the judicial reform to "leave the army out of the political controversy", as he put it.
Speaking to the haredi Radio Kol Chai in an interview, Kahana clarified that "one must not stop volunteering for reserve service".
He explained where the feeling of frustration comes from among reservist pilots who side with the positions of the left, saying, "I'm talking to my friends in the Air Force. Their attitude towards democracy is the same as our attitude towards Judaism. You have to understand what's going through their minds. For them, it's the same as us being banned from carrying out circumcision."
At the same time, Kahana claimed that "I am convinced that if there is a real emergency tomorrow, the pilots will want to help. They will not sit at home."
On the strike by doctors who are opposed to the judicial reform, Kahana said that "they say they will work in a Shabbat format, not that they will not treat patients who require urgent care. The doctors have already gone on strike over many things in the history of the country, this is not a rare thing. and even when there are strikes, they continue to save lives."
Kahana clarified, "I absolutely think that there is a need for correction in the judicial system and a balance between the authorities, but it should be done by consensus. The opposition has no power against the government, and that is why there is such a large protest. But it should be within the limits of the law and without destructive things like harming the army."
On Ehud Barak he said that "I think he says serious things that should not be said. Any call to stop volunteering [for service] is serious."
Kahana expressed pessimism regarding the bill that would limit the use of the judicial doctrine of reasonableness. "After the final text was approved by the Constitution Committee yesterday, I no longer see how it can be corrected. We called for talks from the beginning. As far as we’re concerned, Netanyahu in his actions is the one who ended the talks."
On how he views the role of the Attorney General, he said, "The Attorney General should be a lawyer who promotes things in accordance with the law. On the issue of legal advisors, I also support a significant judicial reform, but these things need to be done by agreement."