Israeli “Democrats” party leader and former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff, Yair Golan, ignited a political storm after publicly criticising the Israeli military’s conduct in Gaza. Speaking in an interview with Israel’s national broadcaster, Golan condemned what he described as a state policy of collective punishment, forced displacement, and the casual killing of civilians.
“A rational state does not wage war against civilians,” Golan said. “It doesn’t kill children for fun, and it doesn’t adopt policies of mass expulsion.”
He warned, “Israel is on a path to becoming a pariah nation — like apartheid-era South Africa — if it does not change course and act like a sane country.”
A Shock to Conscience
Expressing deep dismay, Golan added, “What’s happening is simply shocking. We, the Jewish people who have endured persecution, massacres, and genocide throughout our history — we cannot be the ones committing such unacceptable acts.”
He placed direct blame on the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for its removal: “This is a government filled with individuals who do not embody Jewish values. They are followers of [radical ultranationalist] Meir Kahane — lacking intelligence, ethics, and the capacity to lead in times of crisis. Their presence is a threat to our survival.”
Golan concluded by stating: “The time has come to replace this government. Only then can this war end.”
Fierce Political Backlash
Golan’s remarks were met with widespread backlash from both the Israeli government and opposition figures.
Prime Minister Netanyahu accused Golan of “inciting against the army and the State of Israel.” On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “Golan, who encourages soldiers to refuse service and once compared Israel to the Nazis while in uniform, has now stooped to a new low by claiming Israel kills children for sport.”
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said, “Golan’s only hobby is making antisemitic blood libels against the State of Israel.”
State Camp Party leader Benny Gantz called on Golan to retract and apologise to IDF soldiers. “Our soldiers do not kill children as a hobby. These statements are not only vile and false — they endanger our troops under international law.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar labelled Golan’s comments as a “blood libel” against Israel and its army, claiming it would “fuel antisemitism globally.”
Right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman also condemned the remarks, calling them “lies that damage both our soldiers and our national security.” He insisted — as others did — that the Israeli army is “the most moral army in the world.”
Even opposition leader Yair Lapid distanced himself from Golan, stating: “Our soldiers are heroes protecting our lives. Saying they kill children for fun is a dangerous and false statement — a gift to our enemies. I support the IDF and its soldiers and reject such rhetoric.”
Meanwhile, Israel continues its 80th consecutive day of imposing a blockade on Gaza, where 2.4 million Palestinians face starvation. Aid trucks remain stranded at sealed border crossings, plunging Gaza deeper into famine, resulting in numerous deaths.
Golan Stands Firm
Responding to the backlash, Golan defended his comments in a follow-up post on X.
“We’ve already tried Gantz’s approach of flattering Netanyahu, [Finance Minister Bezalel] Smotrich, and [Ben Gvir] — and it failed,” he said.
He clarified: “My meaning was clear. This war is the realisation of Ben Gvir and Smotrich’s delusions. If we let them succeed, we will become a pariah state.”
Golan reaffirmed his stance: “We must protect our values as a Zionist, Jewish, and democratic state. The IDF soldiers are heroes. The people are decent. But the government is corrupt.”
He concluded, “This war must end. The hostages must be returned. And Israel must return to its moral self.”
