Channel 14 Host Slams Rabbi Beni Lau Over Criticism of Religious Zionism

Shimon Riklin, a host on Channel 14, launched a scathing personal attack against Rabbi Beni Lau on Thursday, following a post by the rabbi criticizing the conduct of the Religious Zionist movement and "Hilltop Youth." Riklin accused Rabbi Lau of being "filthy" and having no connection to religion, alleging that the rabbi was exploiting the tragedy of a family who lost a son in a terror attack for "petty politics." Riklin also suggested Rabbi Lau join another commentator, Sagolvitz, to listen to Quranic verses together, calling him "disgusting."

Rabbi Lau's original post, written with "trembling hands," expressed sorrow over the severe injury of Neria Leiter in a car-ramming attack, noting that Leiter's brother, Major Moshe Yedidya, was killed in combat. Lau praised the "life-loving Religious Zionism" that sacrifices itself for the nation's mission. However, he lamented that the movement "turns a blind eye to terrible things happening in its sphere of existence in Judea and Samaria, from north to south."

Lau addressed a former youth leader named 'Ch,' recalling their shared past in the Bnei Akiva youth movement. He questioned how 'Ch,' who had previously praised Lau's book detailing problematic actions in the territories, could continue to support Religious Zionism despite these issues. Lau cited the recent return to Homesh, a settlement evacuated under the Oslo Accords, and the subsequent announcement by its yeshiva to relocate to Area A, a move supported by Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, as examples of actions undermining government policy and potentially endangering soldiers.

Lau argued that figures like Bezalel Smotrich and Orit Struk are driven by a dream of "Greater Land of Israel for the people of Israel without any Arab presence," which he believes leads to dangerous policies. He contended that this ideology, rather than just security interests, forces the IDF to contend with "rogue groups" and diverts military resources. Lau concluded by urging 'Ch' to "turn away from evil," questioning if his continued support strengthens Israel or leads to shame.