Yair Golan, leader of Israel’s opposition Democrats party, has described the killing of Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei as a strategic mistake, arguing that the decision strengthened more hardline figures within Iran’s leadership rather than advancing Israel’s interests.
Speaking during an interview at a cultural event in Rishon LeZion, south of Tel Aviv, Golan said he believed the elimination of Khamenei at the beginning of the US-Israeli war against Iran in late February had been the wrong decision. His remarks were reported by Israeli media on Friday. <Cite refs={[“turn461644search0″,”turn461644search10”]}/>
“I think, unequivocally, the elimination of Khamenei the father was a mistake,” Golan said.
He clarified that his criticism was based on strategic considerations rather than sympathy for the former Iranian leader, who was 86 when he was killed.
Golan says Khamenei’s killing strengthened hardliners
Golan argued that Khamenei’s death and the succession of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, had left Iran under the influence of individuals he described as more extreme and violent.
According to the opposition leader, removing an established leader who had held power for decades did not necessarily produce a more favourable political outcome for Israel.
His assessment challenges the assumption that eliminating senior Iranian leadership would help achieve broader strategic objectives. Golan suggested that the consequences of the operation had instead complicated Israel’s position.
Netanyahu criticised over regime-change objective
Golan also criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for pursuing the goal of overthrowing Iran’s government, describing it as unrealistic and arguing that it had not been achieved.
He said the military campaign had failed to deliver the political outcome Netanyahu had sought.
The criticism adds to domestic political debate in Israel over the war’s objectives, its results and whether military action has been accompanied by a workable diplomatic strategy.
Golan’s comments were reported by multiple Israeli media outlets, although his assessment of the campaign’s strategic consequences remains his own political judgment.
Thousands Gather in Iran’s Holy City of Qom to Bid Farewell to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
War has heightened regional tensions
The United States and Israel launched their military campaign against Iran on February 28, triggering Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region. The conflict also disrupted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy supplies.
The resulting tensions have affected regional security and energy markets, increasing international concern over the economic consequences of prolonged disruption.
In June, Washington and Tehran reached a framework agreement following mediation efforts involving Pakistan and Qatar, according to the supplied report. The arrangement was intended to halt hostilities and create a path towards further negotiations.
Golan’s latest remarks place renewed focus on whether the military campaign achieved its intended political objectives. His central argument is that the killing of Khamenei did not necessarily strengthen Israel’s strategic position and that the failure to remove Iran’s government exposed the limitations of Netanyahu’s stated goal.
