Yair Golan Denies Accusing IDF of Killing Babies as Hobby

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, clarified remarks he made approximately 18 months ago regarding the war in Gaza. In a previous interview, Golan stated that "a sane country does not kill babies as a hobby," and warned that Israel was on a path to becoming an international pariah, comparing it to apartheid-era South Africa if it did not act sanely. He elaborated that a sane country does not fight civilians, kill babies as a hobby, or aim to expel populations.

Following these statements, Golan faced repeated criticism from right-wing activists who interpreted his words as an accusation that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were intentionally killing babies. In a recent interview on the "Maariv" podcast with Miki Levin, Golan explained his original intent.

"I am talking about the ministers in the government," Golan stated. "Within the government sit people who think indiscriminate bombing is good policy, that killing babies as a hobby is good policy." He emphasized that his original interview did not mention the IDF at all. "Would I say something so terrible about the IDF? Me? About my home, the place I grew up? That I would say such terrible things about the people I grew up with?"

Separately, MK Tally Gotliv announced that her party would recommend Yair Golan for Prime Minister.