Yair Golan Calls Father of Iran's Khamenei Assassination a Mistake

Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, stated on Friday during a panel discussion in Rishon LeZion that the assassination of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was a mistake. Golan argued that while Khomeini deserved to die, his elimination did not serve Israel's interests. He suggested that the elder Khomeini's age and tenure presented a certain advantage, implying that his successor, the current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is controlled by a more extreme Iranian security and strategic echelon. Golan asserted that by eliminating key figures, Israel has been left with more extreme and violent individuals. He also criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu's unrealistic goal of overthrowing the Iranian regime, stating that it worsened Israel's situation.

Golan expressed distrust in Netanyahu regarding a potential strike in Iran, though he believes the Prime Minister's operational freedom is currently limited. He further accused Netanyahu of perpetuating Hamas's rule in Gaza due to his "persistent refusal to build a governing alternative to Hamas," calling it a "crime against the IDF and against the citizens of Israel."

Regarding the conscription of Haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews), Golan advocated for a gradual process, emphasizing the need to lower barriers between the Haredi and productive societies. He proposed canceling deferments that allow young Haredi men to study in yeshivas and receive state stipends until age 26. Golan also stated that institutions not teaching core curriculum subjects would not receive state funding. He suggested expanding service options beyond the IDF to include emergency services and creating IDF tracks that incorporate professional retraining.

These remarks drew sharp criticism. Moti Leitner of the Haredi Public Party condemned Golan's comments as patronizing and arrogant, comparing him to Der'i and Goldknopf. The Religious Zionist Party called Golan's statements a "blazing warning light" about the potential policies of a future left-wing government, attributing the continuation of the war to Smotrich's stance in the cabinet. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Chairman of Otzma Yehudit, accused the "deranged Israeli left" of approaching antisemitism and stated that Golan, who he claimed previously accused the IDF of killing babies, was now lamenting the elimination of a major enemy of the Jewish people.