Democrats Party leader Yair Golan described the assassination of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a strategic error that ultimately worked against Israel’s interests. In an interview conducted at the Meir Nitzan Culture Hall in Rishon Lezion, Golan clarified that his critique was not an expression of sympathy for Khamenei himself, but rather a reflection on the broader consequences for regional stability and Israeli security.

Khamenei was killed in an Israeli Air Force strike on February 28, 2026, targeting his Tehran bunker as part of Operation Roaring Lion. The attack marked a significant escalation in Israel-Iran tensions. Following the assassination, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the former leader's son, assumed the position of Supreme Leader of Iran.

Golan argued that the removal of Iran’s veteran leadership resulted in the empowerment of more radical and violent elements within the Iranian regime. “When you have an elderly and veteran leader, there is certainly an advantage to that,” said Golan, noting that Khamenei was already 86 years old at the time of his death. He suggested that Khamenei's advanced age may have served as a moderating factor.

The Democrats Party leader also criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for what he described as an overly optimistic portrayal of Israel’s ability to destabilize the Iranian regime. Golan asserted that Netanyahu had promoted “illusions” to the United States about unseating Iran’s leadership without presenting a cohesive diplomatic strategy. Instead, Golan emphasized the need for a regional diplomatic initiative aimed at ensuring Israel’s security in a long-term and sustainable manner.

Aside from the Iran issue, Golan addressed the topic of mandatory military service for haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews), stressing the importance of every 18-year-old participating in at least one year of national service. He framed this policy as a means to promote a more integrated society and identified dialogue as the key to achieving such an outcome. “We have the patience, the maturity, and the professional responsibility to build a real process and not a fake one,” he said, underscoring the need for careful, inclusive discussions to implement effective enlistment measures.

The interview highlighted Golan’s pragmatic approach to both foreign policy and domestic social issues, reflecting ongoing debates within Israel about security strategy and societal cohesion.