Yair Golan Eyes Defense Minister Role If Democrats Win 15 Seats

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, has openly set his sights on becoming Israel's next defense minister if his party secures 15 seats in the upcoming elections. Speaking at the National Security Conference hosted by ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth in collaboration with the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), Golan stated, "If we get 15 mandates, I also believe I will be the defense minister, but that is not what matters right now." He added that the Democrats will demand key ministries in coalition negotiations, including Justice, Public Security, Education, and Communications.

Regarding the opposition bloc's prime ministerial candidate, Golan identified Gadi Eizenkot as the leading contender at this stage, emphasizing that the final decision rests with the public and election results. He stressed the need for a strong democratic-liberal bloc with at least 15 seats to lead a government of real change and reform.

Golan dismissed claims that his presence alienates moderate right-wing voters, calling such accusations "fairy tales from the poison machine." He outlined distinct roles within the opposition: "The task of Lieberman, Bennett, and Eizenkot is to bring votes from the right. My task is to form a large, strong democratic-liberal bloc that will be the ethical and ideological backbone of any future government."

On security matters, Golan criticized Hamas's continued control over Gaza, stating that as long as Hamas governs, it cannot be defeated. He advocated for establishing a moderate Palestinian political alternative with regional and international support, warning that Hamas is strengthening daily by collecting taxes, rebuilding forces, and digging tunnels. He called the current situation a "political-security disgrace" that endangers Israeli citizens and accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of delaying efforts to promote a governing alternative in Gaza.