Nearly three and a half decades after his assassination, the spectre of Rabbi Meir Kahane, one of Israel's most notorious extremist figures, is no longer confined to the fringes. It has been resurrected, weaving itself into the very fabric of the nation's government and security apparatus in 2025.
From Fringe Fanaticism to Mainstream Power
Once considered a pariah for his virulently anti-Arab and ultranationalist platform, Kahane's political party was even banned from the Israeli Knesset. Today, his ideological descendants don't just sit in the parliament; they wield significant ministerial power. The journey from the margins to the centre of power is a stark and troubling evolution in Israeli society.
The Soldiers Wearing the Slogan of Hate
Perhaps the most chilling evidence of this revival is found not in the halls of government, but on the uniforms of those tasked with protection. The podcast investigation reveals that some Israeli soldiers have been openly sporting the slogan 'Kahane was right' on their military gear. This isn't a covert symbol but a brazen declaration, signalling a profound shift within certain ranks.
Itamar Ben-Gvir: The Standard-Bearer of Kahanism
The most prominent torchbearer for this rebranded ideology is National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. A longtime disciple of Kahane's teachings, Ben-Gvir has successfully manoeuvred his faction, Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power), from a political outlier to an indispensable partner in the governing coalition. His presence in a top security role marks a monumental victory for the movement Kahane started.
What is the Enduring Appeal?
Analysts suggest Kahane's ghost continues to haunt Israeli politics due to a potent mix of factors:
- Prolonged Conflict: A never-ending cycle of violence and failed peace processes has fuelled despair and hardened attitudes.
- Social Media: Online platforms have provided new, unregulated avenues for radical ideas to spread and recruit followers.
- Political Expediency: Mainstream parties have legitimised these factions by bringing them into coalitions to secure a parliamentary majority.
A Legacy of Division and Fear
Kahane's ideology, known as Kahanism, advocated for the forced expulsion of Palestinians and the establishment of a Halachic state (governed by Jewish law). Its mainstreaming poses a direct threat to Israel's democratic foundations and deepens the schism with its Arab minority citizens. The fact that his slogan now appears on the uniform of a state soldier represents a fundamental challenge to the rule of law and principles of equality.
The investigation concludes that Kahane's ghost is more than a memory; it is an active, powerful, and dangerous force shaping Israel's present and threatening its future, proving that some ideas, no matter how extreme, never truly die.
