As the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran continues to raise tensions across the Middle East, a shocking remark by Israeli opposition leader Yair Golan has sparked debate over the war’s objectives. Golan, who is the leader of Israel’s Democratic Party and previously served as former deputy chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has called the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei a “mistake.”

Yair Golan Says Killing Khamenei Was 'Mistake'

Speaking at an event in Rishon LeZion, south of Tel Aviv, Golan criticised the decision to eliminate Khamenei during the initial phase of the US-Israeli led military campaign against Iran. He argued that the killing had failed to deliver the strategic benefits Israel needed and questioned the outcome of the operation. “I think, unequivocally, the elimination of Khamenei the father was a mistake,” Golan said.

He clarified that his objection was not about whether Khamenei deserved to die, but whether his killing benefited Israel. “Not because he didn’t deserve to die, only because it doesn’t serve the interests of the State of Israel,” he stated. He further warned that the Supreme Leader’s death had not necessarily weakened Iran’s leadership.

ALSO READ: Is Iranian Regime Nearing Its End? Survey Claims 67% Want Fundamental Change, Only 9% Back Status Quo Amid Distrust

Golan Questions Netanyahu's Decision

Golan stated that his succession by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, had brought more hardline figures to the forefront. He noted that Iran was now being led by “more extreme and violent individuals.” He also took a dig at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict, stating that the PM had set an unrealistic objective by seeking to overthrow Iran’s government.

Golan noted that the military campaign had worsened Israel’s position rather than delivering the intended strategic results. While Golan’s statement raises serious questions over war goals, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly justified Khamenei’s killings.

Earlier, Trump had described Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history” and presented his killing as a major opportunity for the Iranian people. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed at age 86 during a joint US-Israeli airstrike in Tehran on February 28.

ALSO READ: 'US Will Not Resume Military Strikes On Iran': Trump's New Promise To Tehran; Why Did He Choose Nov 3 As The Deadline?

You May Also Like To Watch: