Yair Golan Accuses Netanyahu of Trying to Disrupt Elections

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will attempt to disrupt the upcoming elections, both before and on election day, and may even reject the results. Golan made these remarks at the "People of the State" conference hosted by ynet and Yediot Ahronot. He also expressed concern that Netanyahu might prolong the war for political gain and manipulate tensions in the West Bank. Golan criticized Netanyahu's handling of the war, stating that his decisions are driven by political considerations rather than genuine security needs, citing the neutralization of the Shin Bet's administrative arrest capabilities and the dismantling of the West Bank division as examples.

Golan also addressed the possibility of forming a coalition with Arab parties, asserting that such partnerships are politically and ethically acceptable, citing the example of a "healthy and good partnership" with Mansour Abbas's party. He argued against disqualifying Arab parties outright, stating that any party accepting Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people and a free, democratic state is a potential partner. He dismissed claims that some Arab parties do not condemn Hamas or terrorism as unrealistic political maneuvering.

Regarding the upcoming elections, Golan expressed optimism about his party's chances, despite recent poll declines, and called for an end to pessimism. He emphasized that Netanyahu cannot form a government and that the "change bloc" has a higher chance of forming a coalition. Golan vowed that his party would not sit with Netanyahu, the "extreme nationalists" like Smotrich and Ben Gvir, or those who evaded military service, such as Goldknopf and Der'i, whom he holds responsible for the "greatest disaster" in Israel's history.

He also commented on the assassination of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, stating that while the tactical execution was successful, Netanyahu missed a strategic opportunity for regional diplomacy. Golan criticized the government's rhetoric, particularly concerning the war in Gaza, and accused the Prime Minister's office of orchestrating a "poison machine" of deceit and incitement against political opponents. He defended his own statements, clarifying that his remarks about "killing babies as a hobby" were directed at the government's actions and rhetoric, not the IDF, which he deeply respects.