‘Israel doesn’t kill babies for fun’: Yair Golan walks back controversial remark

Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, gave his first interview on Saturday evening since facing backlash over recent controversial comments regarding the Gaza gencide.

Speaking to Channel 12’s Meet the Press, Golan sought to clarify his intentions, saying, “Of course Israel doesn’t kill babies for a hobby. Israel has not committed war crimes in Gaza. My comments were directed at the political leadership. The goal of the war is political. Hamas has been militarily defeated — we must bring the war to an end and secure the release of all the hostages in one decisive move.”

Read more: ‘Israel risks becoming a pariah state’, says 'Israeli' opposition leader Yair Golan

Golan also criticized the double standards in public discourse, noting, “I don’t recall [Bezalel] Smotrich or [Itamar] Ben-Gvir ever being asked to apologize for their words. It’s unacceptable that we’re renewing combat in Gaza while people with such a worldview are shaping political objectives.”

He stressed the professional standards of warfare, adding, “War should be waged against those who pose a threat to Israel. If Israel wants to survive, it cannot preach the murder of civilians.”

Golan’s comments come week after a wave of backlash sparked by a previous interview in which he harshly criticized the 'Israeli' government’s conduct in Gaza. Speaking to Kan Reshet Bet last Monday, the former 'Israeli' general warned that 'Israel' risks becoming a “pariah state” if it continues its current military approach.

In that interview, Golan stated bluntly, “A sane country does not kill babies for a hobby,” a remark that ignited fierce criticism. He condemned what he described as morally unacceptable actions in Gaza, accusing the government of targeting civilians and pursuing displacement policies.