TEL AVIV (Realist English). The Knesset elections scheduled for October 27, 2026, will be the first since the events of October 7, 2023, and could dramatically reshape the balance of power in Israel’s parliament.
The Democrats party, created by Yair Golan through a merger of Labor, Meretz and several protest groups, positions itself as the only force representing Zionist left‑wing politics. Golan himself describes the upcoming campaign as “the most fateful battle for the future of the State of Israel.”
According to polls, Golan’s party could win around 10–11 seats in the 120‑seat Knesset, though at a party rally in Tel Aviv in July he promised to bring “a million votes” — which would give the party around 30 seats.
Ending Wars and a New Regional Course
Golan has stated that his top priorities will be ending the war with Iran, rebuilding Gaza and forging regional alliances. He also pledged to end violence by Jewish settlers in the West Bank and dismantle “illegal” outposts.
According to him, Israel must lead a “political, security and regional initiative that restores common sense.”
Golan’s party advocates ending the exemption of ultra‑Orthodox Jews from military service, separating religion from the state, and pursuing a diplomatic solution to the Palestinian issue. Golan also expressed readiness to bring Saudi Arabia and other “moderate” Arab states into a coalition against Iran.
“We Don’t Need to Work with Everyone”: Position on the US and “Woke” Critics
At a campaign event for an English‑speaking audience, Golan said that Israel must deprive its progressive critics of “ammunition” by adhering to liberal democratic values.
“If Israel is perceived as an extremist country… as some kind of theocratic country — the moment we do that, we tear our ties with the West,” he said. According to him, Israel must remain the “vanguard of the democratic world” to maintain its connection to the West.
Asked about cooperation with American Democrats who have been critical of Israel, Golan initially said that “there is no need to work with everyone,” but later clarified that he is willing to work with both Democrats and Republicans.
“Hero of October 7” vs. Conspiracy Theory
Golan, a former deputy chief of staff, became widely known after the events of October 7, 2023, when he put on his military uniform and went to assist in the area of the Supernova festival in southern Israel. However, his heroic status did not protect him from political attacks.
Sara Netanyahu, the prime minister’s wife, claimed in an interview with the right‑wing Channel 14 that Golan may have known about the impending Hamas attack in advance, because he was ready to head to Gaza as early as 6:30 a.m., when the scale of the attack was not yet clear. The statement caused a scandal, and Golan has promised to sue Sara Netanyahu for defamation.
Polls and Coalition Arithmetic
| Indicator | Value |
| Election date | October 27, 2026 |
| Projected Democrats seats | 10–11 |
| Golan’s ambitious target | 30 seats |
| Total Knesset seats | 120 |
Golan has ruled out joining a coalition with Likud or the ultra‑Orthodox parties. He also stated that Arab parties could help form the next government. At the same time, the Democrats leader stressed that his party will not enter any government unless its conditions are met.
A Voice for Change or a Marginal Force?
Yair Golan’s entry into the election race represents the most significant challenge to Benjamin Netanyahu’s dominance from the centre‑left in years. His promises to end the Iran war, rebuild Gaza and restore liberal democratic values offer a stark alternative to the current government’s trajectory.
Yet the arithmetic remains challenging. With polls showing only 10–11 seats, the Democrats would be a junior partner in any coalition — unless Golan’s “million votes” materialise. His refusal to join a government with Likud or ultra‑Orthodox parties limits his coalition options, while his openness to Arab parties may alienate some voters.
Questions remain. Can Golan translate his personal heroism into political momentum, or will he remain a marginal figure in a fragmented opposition? Will the Sara Netanyahu scandal energise his base or further polarise the electorate? And most importantly — can any Israeli leader deliver the peace that Golan is promising, or will the structural realities of the region render his pledges mere campaign rhetoric?
For now, Golan has succeeded in framing the election as a choice between Netanyahu’s perpetual conflict and his vision of a different future. Whether that vision can translate into seats — and ultimately into power — will be decided on October 27.
