In a rare and explosive critique from within Israel’s military and political establishment, retired general and former deputy chief of staff Yair Golan has ignited controversy by denouncing the government’s conduct in its war on Gaza. In a radio interview Tuesday, Golan declared, “A sane state does not wage war on civilians, does not kill children as a hobby, and does not aim to displace populations.” His remarks, which questioned the strategic rationale and morality of Israel’s ongoing military campaign, provoked a fierce backlash across the Israeli political spectrum.
Golan, now head of the left-wing Democratic Party, is no stranger to criticism. But this time, even his military credentials were not enough to shield him from a torrent of attacks by leaders of right-wing, religious, and centrist parties alike. Critics portrayed him as a traitor, accusing him of undermining the army and aiding Israel’s enemies. Political rivals, including those opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appeared eager to exploit the controversy for political gain, leaving Golan largely isolated.
Despite the outcry, Golan stood firm. He reiterated that the war, now in its eighth month, has shifted from a military campaign to a political tool used to preserve the current government’s grip on power. Referring to the latest phase of the conflict as “Operation Chariots of Gideon,” Golan argued that the main military objectives had already been achieved by mid-2024 with the degradation of Hamas’s military capabilities. He accused the government of prolonging the conflict for political reasons rather than national security.
“Israel hasn’t eliminated Hamas, hasn’t militarily or politically defeated them, and hasn’t recovered the hostages,” Golan noted. “The war’s objectives have been confused and contradictory from the beginning. Our priority must be returning all hostages home. That’s the essence of our solidarity as a people.”
His comments gained further resonance as the international community, including the UK, France, and Canada, issued stern warnings about Israel’s conduct in Gaza. The U.S. has also signaled growing unease. Golan warned that Israel risks becoming a “pariah state” akin to apartheid-era South Africa if it continues down its current path. He invoked the Jewish historical experience, saying it is unacceptable for a people with a legacy of persecution and genocide to adopt “morally indefensible policies.”
Golan’s stand, while earning him few allies in the Knesset, has been lauded by some as an act of moral courage. Known for his principled stances, he refused to walk back his statements despite the political storm. “We already tried Gantz’s way—flattering Netanyahu, Ben Gvir, and Smotrich. It failed,” he said. He added, “This war is the embodiment of Ben Gvir and Smotrich’s delusions. If we allow them to realize their vision, Israel will be a fractured state.”
Calling for an end to the war, the return of hostages, and a restoration of democratic values, Golan concluded with a stark contrast between Israel’s military and its leadership: “The Israeli soldiers are heroes. The ministers are corrupt. The army is moral, the people are righteous, and the government is rotten.”
As the war grinds on and internal dissent grows louder, Golan’s words have injected a jolt of urgency into Israel’s political debate. Whether his challenge will influence policy or public opinion remains to be seen, but it has undeniably shattered taboos about criticizing the war from within the ranks of Israel’s own elite.
The Israeli General, Yair Golan, who accused Israel of Killing Children as a Hobby
Jewish perspective commentary on the news story:
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told the BBC: "What Israel is doing in Gaza is very close to a war crime."
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