Yair Golan Calls Killing of Iran's Khamenei a Mistake

Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats party, stated on Friday that the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the start of the recent war was a "mistake." Speaking at a cultural event in Tel Aviv, Golan explained that while Khamenei deserved to die, his assassination did not serve Israel's interests. Golan argued that having an elderly, long-serving leader like Khamenei, who was 86, presented a certain advantage, and his removal allowed more extreme elements to gain influence.

Golan also criticized the "Lion's Roar" operation, suggesting it worsened Israel's strategic position. He believes that Khamenei's son, if functioning, is controlled by ultra-extremist Iranian leadership. Golan asserted that Israel was at its peak of Iranian achievements with the "Lion's Roar" operation, but the subsequent strategic outcome was negative because Prime Minister Netanyahu set an unrealistic goal of overthrowing the Iranian regime, which was not achieved. He added that this turned a historical military achievement into a severe strategic failure.

In a tweet following the interview, Golan elaborated that Netanyahu's "arrogance and political survival calculations" squandered a strategic opportunity. Instead of pursuing a regional diplomatic initiative for Israel's security, Netanyahu sold the Americans illusions about regime change without a post-operation plan. Golan concluded that the removal of the old leadership strengthened more extreme and violent elements within the Iranian security apparatus, and Netanyahu must be held accountable.

However, Golan's current stance contrasts with his social media posts from late February of the same year, shortly after Khamenei's assassination. At that time, he described the assassination as a "dramatic and significant step," praising Israeli and American security forces for their intelligence and operational capabilities. He also sent a message of hope to the Iranian people, suggesting they were freed from a tyrant and had an opportunity for a better future.

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to Golan's remarks, criticizing him and other opposition figures for their past stances on security matters. Katz questioned the viability of the opposition as an alternative to the current government, suggesting their opposition to Netanyahu and the right-wing government was why Israel's enemies supported their downfall.