Top Rabbi Warns Against Extremism in Religious-IDF Conflicts

Rabbi Yoel Manoj, head of the Golan Heights Yeshiva, has spoken out against what he perceives as growing extremism within the religious Zionist community's engagement with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In a special podcast, Rabbi Manoj addressed the recent controversy involving soldiers in the Givati Brigade, emphasizing the need to uphold principles without fracturing partnerships.

While expressing support for soldiers who stand by their religious convictions, Rabbi Manoj cautioned against adopting a confrontational and zealous approach as an educational method. He urged a distinction between firm adherence to principles and a culture of "explosions," stating, "We don't want to defeat our friends, our commanders, the IDF, or the State of Israel." He believes that even in difficult disputes, the focus should be on how to maintain principles while preserving partnership, rather than on who wins.

Rabbi Manoj linked this approach to the broader ideology of religious Zionism, viewing the establishment of Israel not just as a return to independence and the land, but as the return of "the entire people of Israel" to the historical stage. He argued that the religious Torah world chose to be partners in the state and its institutions, even with those who do not observe religious commandments. This partnership, he noted, necessitates navigating spiritual challenges arising from interaction with broader society.

He stressed the importance of educating youth in spiritual independence and the ability to withstand social pressure, citing the teachings of the Koznitz Rebbe: "to be alone in the marketplace," "to shout in silence," and "to be upright yet bowed." The military, he explained, is a particularly significant arena for this, representing a high level of collective action for the "people of Israel" where "it is life or death."

Rabbi Manoj criticized ideological trends that have infiltrated the IDF in recent years, particularly concerning issues of shared service and the integration of women. He contrasted current ideological disputes with earlier struggles focused on practical matters like observing Shabbat and kashrut. However, he cautioned against making the struggle itself the basis of religious identity, emphasizing that a child must first learn Torah and build a positive world of faith, rather than being taught that their surroundings are an enemy to be fought.

He advocated for conducting conflicts wisely and not always publicly, suggesting that sometimes non-public channels are more effective. He also differentiated between clear halachic prohibitions and public or educational stances, arguing that not every issue should be framed as a matter of "kill or die" or a strict halachic prohibition when it is not. Regarding military rabbis, he acknowledged the pressures they face but stressed the need for independent and courageous rabbis who can stand up to the system when necessary. He suggested that when a rabbi receives a question from a soldier, they should consult with both the relevant command and the military rabbinate before making a decision.

While not ruling on the specifics of the Givati incident, Rabbi Manoj praised the soldiers' willingness to stand for their spiritual world, preferring this to students being swept away by the current and abandoning their spiritual lives. He also stated that when public struggles are led by rabbis and yeshiva heads, the spiritual leadership must also bear the cost and not send students to the front lines alone. He warned against swinging from an extreme of "worshiping the army" to one of "paranoia," emphasizing that relationships require trust and cannot be built on a foundation of distrust. He noted the ease with which zealotry and struggle can sway young people, but asserted that leadership's role is not always to meet demands for more extreme responses.