Yair Golan Says He Would Serve as Defense Minister If Democrats Win 15 Seats

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, stated at the National Security Conference hosted by ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth in collaboration with the INSS on June 3, 2024, that if his party secures 15 Knesset seats in the upcoming elections, he expects to serve as Israel's defense minister. Golan emphasized that the party aims to obtain a "package of ministries," including Justice, Education, Communications, and Public Security, to influence both Israel's security and democratic character.

Golan identified Gadi Eizenkot, leader of the "Yashar!" party, as the likely prime ministerial candidate for the opposition bloc but noted the final decision depends on election results. He rejected claims that his presence alienates moderate right-wing voters, describing such accusations as propaganda. Instead, he positioned the Democrats as a strong liberal-democratic bloc essential for genuine governmental change.

Criticizing Israel's handling of the conflict with Iran, Golan called the strategy flawed and unrealistic, particularly the goal of regime change. He advocated for renewed diplomatic efforts focused on halting Iran's nuclear program through stricter agreements than the 2015 deal, including extended supervision and sanctions. Regarding Gaza, Golan argued that Hamas cannot be defeated as long as it governs two million Palestinians and proposed establishing a moderate Palestinian authority with regional and international support as an alternative.

On Lebanon, Golan suggested deploying a new international force with enforcement powers to replace UNIFIL, acknowledging the current Lebanese government as the most positive for Israel since Rafik Hariri's assassination but insufficient to address regional threats. He also presented a plan for separation from the Palestinians, warning that annexing millions of Palestinians would destroy Israel's Jewish-democratic character. He called for restoring law and order in the West Bank, dismantling illegal outposts, and defining clear borders.

Golan criticized Shin Bet chief David Zini's performance, stating he failed in handling the "Qatar-gate" investigation and combating Jewish terrorism in the West Bank. He expressed hope Zini would succeed in ensuring free and fair elections. Regarding the use of refusal to serve in reserve duty as a protest tool against judicial reforms, Golan defended the protesters and opposed politicizing the IDF, affirming the military should remain outside political disputes as it has since October 7, 2023.