Yair Golan said Israel kills babies as a hobby. How he's walking it back.

After days of his remarks causing significant damage to Israel’s image, former MK Yair Golan tried to explain his statement that the state kills babies as a hobby. Of course, it's much too little, and much too late, and the damage (whether or not he intended it) is absolutely devastating.

In an interview with Channel 12 News on Saturday night, Golan said: “Israel certainly does not kill babies as a hobby,” and also spoke out against former Prime Minister Olmert’s statement: “Israel does not commit war crimes either.”

Golan, of course, used the opportunity to attack the government, adding: “I was referring to the political echelon, whose goal is to prolong the war for political reasons. Hamas has already been militarily defeated, so we need to end the war and release all the hostages.”

He also tried to shift blame to Smotrich and Ben Gvir, saying: “I don’t recall them ever being asked to apologize for their words. It’s unacceptable that we resume fighting in Gaza with political goals shaped by people with such worldviews. As a professional, war should be against those who threaten Israel.”

Regarding Netanyahu’s appointment of the Shin Bet chief, Golan said: “Netanyahu is ignoring the Attorney General’s recommendation and carrying out a full-blown governmental coup. There’s an attempt by Netanyahu to close the ‘Kargate’ case through a specific appointment.”

“Zini,” Golan added, “is unfit to be Shin Bet chief. He was my subordinate, a highly decorated officer, but not suitable for the role. It’s unacceptable for Netanyahu to appoint a Shin Bet chief while under investigation. If Netanyahu insists on going against the Attorney General and the Supreme Court, the country must be shut down.”

He's not exactly in a position to critique Netanyahu or anyone else after his horrific, despicable and unacceptable statement.

Regarding when he attacked a civilian in Kiryat Shmona, he said: “I’m not proud of it. I’m human too; I feel insulted and disappointed. Internal hatred must be removed from our discourse.”

Golan added: “Netanyahu has built a poison machine that takes every statement out of context. Religious Zionists also need to look inward and do some soul-searching. Religious Zionism will likely have a dramatic impact on Israel’s fate.”