Yair Golan Calls Haredi Public 'Parasitic,' Says Khamenei Assassination Was Mistake

Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democratic Party, sparked controversy at a conference in Rishon LeZion by referring to the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public as a "parasitic population." He stated, "We need to transform the Haredi population from a parasitic population to a fertile and productive one." Golan also addressed the conflict with Iran, asserting that the assassination of the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, was detrimental to Israel's interests. "I think unequivocally the assassination of Khomeini the father was a mistake," Golan said, explaining that while Khomeini deserved to die, his death did not serve Israel's interests. Golan suggested that the elder Khomeini's advanced age provided a certain advantage for Israel. He then questioned the independence and effectiveness of the current leader, referring to "Khamenei the son," and expressed concern that he is controlled by Iran's "ultra-extremist security-strategic echelon." Golan argued that eliminating top Iranian officials has not improved Israel's situation, but rather installed more extreme and violent individuals in leadership positions. He compared the outcomes of Operation "With All Your Might" (Imkol Hayav) and Operation "Lion's Roar" (Sha'agat Ha'ari), claiming the latter operation weakened Israel's strategic position against Iran. "From this perspective, I can say that Israel was at its peak, at the absolute summit of achievements against the Iranians at the end of With All Your Might," he stated. "Lion's Roar, from a long-term strategic perspective, worsened our situation, did not improve it." Golan attributed this outcome to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he claimed set an unrealistic war aim for the operation: the overthrow of the Iranian regime, which ultimately failed.