Rabbis Criticize IDF Deterrence, State Policies at Protest

Hundreds of students from the Torah world gathered Sunday evening at the gates of Prison 10 for a protest rally following the arrest of yeshiva student Yisrael Guchafi from Bnei Brak. Guchafi was reportedly imprisoned for his yeshiva studies.

The rally, held at the initiative of prominent rabbis including Rabbi Moshe Maya and Rabbi Shlomo Machfoud, featured sharp criticism of Israel's security situation and government policies. Rabbi Shlomo Machfoud, a member of the Council of Torah Sages, stated that recent decrees against religious life were unprecedented and accused the state of aiming to destroy Judaism rather than protect its citizens.

Rabbi Shvtai Levi, a leading organizer of the Sephardic protest, delivered a particularly strong speech, questioning the IDF's deterrence capabilities. "Where is the IDF's deterrence power?! There are planes, operations, precise missiles, intelligence, Aman, the Mossad, everything. But there is no deterrence. They are making a mockery of us," he declared. He further pointed to the growing power of Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran, stating, "They are laughing at all of us. They threw endless missiles, and there is no effect. Endless millions, and there is no effect."

Rabbi Levi concluded his remarks with a call for spiritual strengthening during the month of Elul, urging a return to religious observance. Rabbi Machfoud echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the Torah is the lifeblood of the Jewish people and cannot be easily undermined.