Golan Warns Netanyahu Could Use Renewed Iran Conflict to Remain in Power
Yair Golan, leader of the Israeli Democrats, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of potentially using another military confrontation with Iran to extend his tenure, with Israel's election leaving no bloc able to form a majority government.
A warning amid coalition uncertainty
In a post on X on Sunday, Golan wrote: "The likelihood of another round of fighting with Iran is growing." His warning followed Israeli and U.S. media reports about possible attacks after the U.S. midterm elections on Tuesday, November 3.
"We have reached a point of repeated rounds of fighting with Iran, and this shows just how much Netanyahu has failed," Golan added. He said Netanyahu "lacks the moral legitimacy, and even the basic capacity" to lead another confrontation.
Golan urged the formation of an alternative government as quickly as possible, calling it "of utmost importance, as Israel's security and the safety of its citizens are at stake."
Preliminary results from Israel's October 27 parliamentary election gave Netanyahu's bloc 53 of the Knesset's 120 seats, compared with 68 in the outgoing legislature. Jewish opposition parties took 48 seats and Palestinian parties 19. Neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition secured the 61 seats required for a majority.
The possible outcomes include a government supported by Palestinian parties, a national unity government or another election. President Isaac Herzog was expected to start consultations with party representatives after November 4 before selecting the candidate he considers most likely to form a government. The new Knesset was scheduled to be sworn in on November 10.
Reports describe plans for post-election strikes
The New York Times reported on October 21, citing U.S. officials, that American and Israeli military planners had prepared for renewed strikes on Iran after the November 3 midterms. The reported plan envisioned a "short but intensive operation," with rehearsals involving flights over Iraq.
The potential targets ranged from energy infrastructure to nuclear facilities and missile and drone arsenals. They included the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site.
On October 22, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the United States would not attack Iran before the midterms. Another White House official declined to discuss "sensitive military plans that may or may not exist." Netanyahu that day called reports that he was pushing for strikes "incorrect" and declined to disclose details of his recent discussions with President Donald Trump about Iran.
A later Axios report, cited by Turkish outlet Haberler on November 1, said Netanyahu had pressed Trump during a phone call to order an attack immediately after the midterms. The account relied on U.S. and Israeli sources. An Israeli source described the conversation as "difficult," and a U.S. source called it "direct." Neither the White House nor Netanyahu's office had commented on the call.
U.S. statements and Iran's response
Trump has said one or two Iranian facilities still need to be dealt with, stating: "we can do that in 10 minutes. So we have such a plan." He has also said the United States must "take care of" Pickaxe Mountain, which is believed to contain nuclear material.
Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, told senior military commanders on October 31 that "any level or type of threat must be met with an immediate, impactful and geographically unrestricted response." He ordered an updated target list covering "all types of tangible and intangible assets belonging to the American-Zionist enemy."
The current U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict dates to February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces struck Iran. Iran retaliated with missile attacks against U.S. assets and allies throughout the Middle East, including Israel. It also blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, the route through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil normally passes.
Netanyahu's legal cases
Netanyahu, 76, also faces a continuing corruption trial involving allegations of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He could receive a prison sentence if convicted.
In a separate matter, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu in November 2024. They concern alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against Palestinians during Israel's war on Gaza, which started in October 2023.