Israeli Politician Yair Golan Condemns Netanyahu’s Government as 'Unethical and Incompetent', Warns of Global Isolation Over Gaza War

On Tuesday (May 20), Yair Golan, head of the left-wing Democrats Party and a former military official, made these remarks in an interview with Israeli public broadcaster KAN. He said, “A healthy state never wages war against civilians, does not kill children for sport, and does not adopt policies of forced displacement of its population.”

He further warned that if Israel does not return to a moral and humane path, it risks becoming internationally isolated like apartheid-era South Africa.

Golan harshly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, saying, “This government is vindictive, unethical, and completely incompetent. They do not know how to lead during a crisis. As a result, our national security is under threat.” His remarks sparked immediate reactions across Israel's political landscape.

Prime Minister Netanyahu condemned Golan’s comments as “slanderous” and “vile incitement.” In a counter-statement, Netanyahu said, “The Israeli military is the most moral army in the world. Golan’s remarks are a heinous slander against our soldiers and our state.”

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir labeled Golan as a “Jew-hating propagandist” and accused him of “sounding like Hamas.”

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi went further, calling Golan a “terrorist.” Even Benny Gantz, a key opposition leader and former defense minister, urged Golan to withdraw his statement.

Golan’s comments come at a time when increasingly extreme and violent rhetoric is spreading within Israel. Influential Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Rivka Laviar, a radical settler from an illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank, openly called for the “complete destruction” and “expulsion” of millions of people in Gaza. Referring to the biblical story of the destruction of the Amalekites, she declared, “No one from Gaza — not even children or the elderly — should be spared. We are committed to revenge.”

Analysts warn that such rhetoric is not only intensifying the brutality of the war but also poses an existential threat to Gaza’s civilian population.

Since Israel’s offensive began in October 2023, nearly 53,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, the vast majority of them women and children. Ignoring repeated calls for a ceasefire from the international community, Israel continues its military campaign.

In this context, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Simultaneously, a case of genocide against Israel is ongoing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Source: Anadolu Agency