Israeli Ex-General Criticizes Government for Gaza Civilian Deaths Amid International Aid Warnings

Yair Golan, leader of Israel's Democrats party and a former military general, sharply criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza, warning that the country risks becoming a "pariah state" and accusing Israeli forces of "killing babies as a hobby". His comments, which likened Israel's conduct to apartheid-era South Africa, drew widespread condemnation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, other government officials, and opposition leaders, who defended the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as moral and fighting for the country's survival. Netanyahu called Golan's remarks "outrageous incitement" and accused him of echoing anti-Semitic blood libels, while opposition figures urged Golan to retract his statements. The controversy comes amid escalating violence in Gaza, with thousands of Palestinian casualties and a humanitarian crisis worsened by an 11-week blockade. Internationally, countries including the UK, France, and Canada have condemned Israel's actions and threatened further measures if aid is not allowed into Gaza. The IDF and its leadership have reiterated their commitment to lawful conduct, strongly rejecting any accusations that question their morality or the values guiding their operations.