Likud Condemns Yair Golan for Supporting Turkish Military Presence in Syria

The Likud party sharply criticized Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, following his condemnation of an Israeli military strike in Syria. Likud accused Golan of opposing efforts to prevent Turkey from establishing a military foothold in Syrian territory, a move Prime Minister Netanyahu strongly opposes. The party statement said, "It is no surprise that Yair Golan, who calls for establishing a Palestinian terror state within Israel, is willing to allow a Turkish military presence in Syria."

Golan had described the Israeli strike as a "provocative and dangerous move" that could escalate tensions with Turkey and damage Israel's relations with key allies, especially the United States. He also criticized the government for using military force for political reasons, warning that such actions erode trust in Israel and alienate its partners and allies.

Likud further attacked Golan on political grounds, claiming he is slated to become defense minister in a future government led by opposition figures Benny Gantz, Avigdor Lieberman, and Mansour Abbas. Golan called for leadership that uses military power to secure Israel’s safety rather than to provoke conflict for political survival.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions within Israeli politics over military strategy in Syria and relations with Turkey, as well as broader concerns about the political motivations behind security decisions.