The ruling Likud party issued a statement Wednesday evening attacking opposition leader Yair Golan, saying his advocacy for a Palestinian "terror state" in the heart of Israel and his willingness to allow Turkish military entrenchment in Syria mark him as a security threat. Likud noted that Golan is slated to become defense minister in a potential government led by Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, and Mansour Abbas.
Likud's statement escalates a week of political warfare as opposition leader Yair Golan's rising poll numbers have drawn fire from across the coalition. The party specifically tied Golan to policy positions it frames as existential: support for a Palestinian "terror state" in the heart of Israel and acceptance of Turkish military activity in Syria, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to block. Likud emphasized that Golan is positioned to become defense minister in an opposition government comprising Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party, Avigdor Lieberman's Yisrael Beytenu, and Mansour Abbas's Ra'am — a lineup the coalition has repeatedly warned against. The attack follows analysis by Noam Amir (Channel 14), as previously reported by The Zioneer, that Golan would indeed take the defense portfolio if the opposition wins. Eisenkot has not publicly confirmed any ministerial appointments.
- DevelopingAnalysis: Golan would be defense minister if opposition wins; attacks driven by his right-wing appeal
- StrongEisenkot says he can think of more experienced candidates than Golan for defense minister
- DevelopingYotam Zemer: Golan claims 'Jewish terrorism' over settlement, could be defense minister under Bennett
- DevelopingBen-Gvir: Golan, Redman form 'terror-supporting coalition'
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