Yair Golan on Netanyahu, Israel’s ‘tribalism’ and believing in a two-state solution

I made the decision to enter political life after 38 years of service in the military. I knew that doing so would come at heavy personal cost. However, seeing the current government’s attempts to weaken Israel’s democratic and social foundations, I could not remain on the sidelines. This was even more the case after October 7. These considerations guide my political career today.

As leader of the Democrats, my goal is to help shape a broad political home for liberal and democratic Israel, which I see as today’s authentic Zionism.

The answer is a resounding yes. I am working around the clock to create a broad democratic camp that will put Israel back on the right path. My first step when elected leader of the Labor Party last year was to merge with Meretz and form the Democrats, and further consolidation of our camp is both possible and necessary. I believe this to be the most effective way to bring real change.

The short answer is no, and I disagree with your assumption.

Ever since the last government was sworn in, the Israeli public has united around a number of issues. The first is the desire to preserve Israel’s democratic institutions; the second is the desire to live in peace and security; and the third is the call to enforce an egalitarian draft law. These critical issues are in line with the agenda of the Democrats, and we will prove it in the next elections.