Yair Golan

'Black flag over democracy': Politicians slam haredi break in to Beit Shemesh police station

According to Democrats Party head Yair Golan, the riot was a "practical translation" of the contentious haredi draft law. 

Screengrab of video of ultra-Orthodox (haredi) riot outside of the Beit Shemesh police station, June 1, 2026.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a Jerusalem Day event, May 14, 2026; illustrative.

Over half of Israelis want PM Netanyahu to retire from politics, not run in Knesset election - poll

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich delivers a speech earlier this year.

What is Zionism, and who is a Zionist? - opinion

HEAD OF the Democrats party, Yair Golan, speaks at the anual Berl Katznelson Center (BKC) conference, on May 07, 2026.

Golan: Eisenkot should join Democrats or Bennett-Lapid, opposition should partner with Ra'am


Golan, Olmert's comments are making it easier to arrest IDF soldiers abroad - opinion

Yair Golan and Ehud Olmert's statements may have concrete consequences in the growing international legal campaign against Israel.

THE STATEMENTS made by former prime minister Ehud Olmert may have concrete consequences in the growing international legal campaign against Israel, the writer charges.

Don't hijack hostage marches for other political causes, writes Einav Zangauker

Einav Zangauker urged a focus solely on hostage return. Yair Golan called for unity and hope despite political differences.

 Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, accuses Netanyahu of sabotaging a hostage deal, May 17, 2025.

Golan surges in polls, Bennett leads opposition; Likud weakens

Yair Golan’s Democrats are gaining momentum as Naftali Bennett tops the latest poll. Likud loses ground, and Netanyahu’s bloc remains far from a majority.

 YAIR GOLAN speaks after the results were announced in the Labor Party primary election, in Tel Aviv, on Tuesday.

The former general who betrayed my son - opinion

Yair Golan's recent accusations against the IDF is a betrayal of young soldiers who serve out of responsibility.

 DEMOCRATS LEADER Yair Golan speaks at a party gathering in Kiryat Shmona last week. He took his authority as a former military leader and used it to legitimize the worst possible interpretation of IDF conduct, the writer argues.

'Traitor!': Protesters boo Democrats chair Yair Golan at Beersheba conference

At the event, far-right Otzma Yehudit MK Almog Cohen led protesters in yelling "traitor" at Golan in an attempt to disrupt the speech. 

Democrats chair Yair Golan addresses the Sderot Society and Education conference in Beersheba, May 27, 2025.

'Israel doesn't kill babies for fun': Yair Golan walks back controversial Gaza claims

Golan gave his first interview on Saturday evening following a wave of criticism over his recent controversial statements.

Yair Golan, head of The Democrats party speaks at the Knesset. February 24, 2025.

'None of the current coalition parties': Yair Golan outlines future gov't composition

The opposition leader detailed potential partners in his government, mentioning figures such as Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Avigdor Lieberman, Mansour Abbas, and even Ayman Odeh.

 Former Meretz MK Yair Golan

Democrats party loses ground after Golan's statements on war - poll

Golan, during an interview on Monday with KAN Reshet Bet’s This Morning program, said, “A sane country does not kill babies for a hobby.”

 Democrats chairman MK Yair Golan speaks on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Katz instructs IDF not to summon Democrats chair Golan to reserve duty

During Golan's military service, he served as the IDF deputy chief of staff, Home Front Command, and Northern Command head.

 Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz over a background of humanitarian trucks entering the Gaza Strip; Illustrative

Harmful political rhetoric is deepening Israel's cavernous divide – opinion

Yair Golan, Ehud Olmert, and other Israeli politicians' statements are deeply damaging and challenge Israel's fight for truth.

 Leader of the Democrats party Yair Golan leads a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on February 10, 2025.