Who Is Yair Golan? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Yair Golan was born on May 14, 1962, making him 62 years old in 2025. He has had a distinguished career in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), rising to the rank of Major General. Golan is known for his insights on military strategy and national defense, as well as for his outspoken views on various socio-political issues in Israel. Throughout his career, he has held numerous key positions and has made significant contributions to Israel’s security framework.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 14, 1962 |
| Age | 63 Years |
| Birth Place | Rishon LeZion, Israel |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Israel |
Popularity
Yair Golan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Yair Golan stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm). His weight is estimated to be around 180 pounds (82 kg). While precise body measurements are not publicly available, he maintains a fit and healthy physique, befitting a high-ranking military officer.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Yair Golan is reported to be single. He has two children from a previous marriage, and his focus remains primarily on his career and public service. Though Golan keeps his personal life relatively private, his commitment to family is evident in his public statements about the importance of balancing military duties with family responsibilities.
His father, Gershon Goldner, fled with his parents from Nazi Germany to Mandatory Palestine in 1935. His father served in the IDF and his last role was a senior technical assistant to the chief communications and electronics officer at the rank of lieutenant colonel (Sgan Aluf).
His elder brother is a Geography and History professor in the University of Haifa and his younger sister is a special-education teacher in the Shamir Medical Center.
Net Worth and Salary
Yair Golan's estimated net worth in 2025 is around $2 million. His wealth is primarily attributed to his long-standing military career in the Israel Defense Forces, where he has held multiple roles with increasing responsibilities. While the exact figures on his salary are not publicly available, high-ranking military officials in Israel typically earn a substantial income, reflecting their experience and leadership roles.
In a radio interview on 20 May 2025, Golan stated regarding Israeli military action in Gaza that "A sane country does not wage war against civilians, does not kill babies as a pastime, and does not engage in mass population displacement".
Prime Minister Netanyahu said in response that the comment was an "outrageous incitement against our heroic soldiers and against the State of Israel." Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak said Golan was "a brave, direct man" for condemning the Israeli government's management of the war.
Career, Business, and Investments
Golan’s military career started in the early 1980s, and he climbed the ranks due to his expertise in various areas, including infantry, logistics, and defense strategy. Over the years, he has been involved in several key operations and has provided significant strategic insights during conflicts. Outside his military career, Golan is involved in several advisory roles, and he occasionally participates in speaking engagements, discussing issues related to national security and military ethics. He has also explored potential investments in technology and security startups that aim to enhance Israel's defense capabilities.
Golan was drafted into the IDF in 1980. After successfully passing the flight academy acceptance tests, he decided to follow his brother's steps and volunteer for the paratrooper brigade instead. He served as a soldier and a squad leader and fought in the 1982 Lebanon War.
After completing Officer Candidate School he became an infantry officer and returned to the Paratroopers Brigade as a platoon leader. Golan served as the commander of the Brigade's anti-tank company and led the 890 Paratroop Battalion in counter-guerrilla operations in the South Lebanon conflict and in the First Intifada.
In 1993, he served as a Battalion Commander in IDF Officers' School and afterwards served as Judea and Samaria Division's Operations Branch Officer. Between the years 1996–1997 he commanded the Eastern brigade of Lebanon Liaison Unit and was injured in an encounter with a squad of Hezbollah militants.
He then served as the head of the Operations section in the Operations Directorate. During the Second Intifada, Golan commanded the Nahal Infantry Brigade. Afterwards, he commanded the 91st Division and the Judea and Samaria Division.
Social Network
Yair Golan maintains a presence on various social media platforms, including Twitter and LinkedIn, where he engages with followers and shares his perspectives on military and political matters. His insights are often sought after in discussions about Israel's future, and he actively participates in forums advocating for peace and security.
As Deputy Chief of Staff, Golan made a speech on Holocaust Day in 2016 in which some say he drew a parallel between Europe in general and Germany in particular in the 1930s and current day Israel, by saying "If there is one thing that is scary in remembering the Holocaust, it is noticing horrific processes which developed in Europe – particularly
in Germany – 70, 80, and 90 years ago, and finding remnants of that here (in Israel) among us in the year 2016." He said that sometimes Israeli soldiers were harsh in dealing with Palestinians, and he highlighted the example of Sergeant Elor Azaria being tried over a Hebron shooting incident as evidence that the IDF investigates itself and has h
igh moral standards.
His comments drew significant criticism on social media, with Twitter users accusing Golan of "forgetting the lessons of the Holocaust." Netanyahu called the comments "outrageous" and said they "do injustice to Israeli society and create contempt for the Holocaust." Culture Minister Miri Regev called for his resignation, while opposition leader Isa
ac Herzog praised Golan for exhibiting "morality and responsibility."
Education
Golan graduated with honors from the IDF's Command and General Staff College. He has also attended various military leadership courses internationally, enhancing his strategic acumen. His education has contributed significantly to his successful military career and informed his views on defense and security issues.
In conclusion, Yair Golan remains a prominent figure in Israel's military landscape as of 2025, balancing his professional responsibilities with his commitment to his family and personal growth. His career accomplishments, relationship status, and insights provide an intriguing overview of this influential figure in modern Israel.
Golan studied at Haviv Elementary School and "Yadlin" School in Rishon LeZion and Ort Singalovsky School in Tel Aviv. Golan was the head of the "nest council" (one rank above instructors) of Rishon LeZion in the leftist Labour Zionist youth movement HaNoar HaOved.
